Eatery staff ‘ owed $ 63k’

Owners charged over shortfall

OWNERS of a Hobart city restaurant will face court after allegedly underpaying staff, including a teenager, $ 63,000.

The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges Satchithanantha Chelliah and Mahesvery Toolseram, who operate Little India in Harrington St, have underpaid 17 staff.

The restaurant staff, including an international student and two workers aged 18 and 20, received unlawfully low flat rates, the FWO has alleged in documents tendered to the Federal Circuit Court.

Inspectors investigated Little India after receiving a request for assistance from an employee, Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said.

“We prioritise investigating matters involving young and migrant workers. Any workers with concerns about their rights should contact us for free advice and assistance,” she said.

It is alleged that inspectors discovered the affected employees were paid flat rates that did not meet entitlements owed under the Fast Food Industry Award 2010, including minimum wages, casual loading, and penalty rates for weekend and public holiday work.

Alleged individual underpayments range from $ 270 to $ 15,224.

It is alleged that the largest individual underpayment occurred between July 2017 and June 2019, with other employees underpaid between January and June 2019.

The alleged been rectified in ment said.

Record- keeping and pay slip contraventions are also alleged.

The owners face penalties of up to $ 12,600 for each contravention if proved.

The FWO is also seeking orders for Mr Chelliah and Ms Toolseram to submit to an independent audit of wage payment practices and receive training.

The matter is listed for a directions hearing in the Federal Circuit Court in Hobart on December 3, 2020. underpayments had full, the FWO state