Workers ‘underpaid $24,000’

A SURFERS Paradise chocolate cafe which allegedly underpaid a dozen workers more than $24,000 will front court the Federal Court in December.

One employee of the Oliver Brown franchise in the Soul building was allegedly underpaid more than $9000.

The cafe’s former manager Steven Chung yesterday appeared briefly in court in Brisbane to face allegations of underpaying workers in 2015.

The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges the workers were underpaid for several months in 2015.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James said legal action was started because of the significant underpayment in a relatively short period.

“The use of discount flat rates is unacceptable and we treat exploitation of young workers very seriously because they can be vulnerable if they are not aware of their rights or reluctant to complain,” Ms James said.

Seven of the workers were overseas employees. All employees have been back-paid in full.

Oliver Brown Soul Pty Ltd faces fines of up to $54,000 for each breach and Mr Chung faces fines up to $10,000.