Unions say federal government legal action against a Canberra restaurant that allegedly mistreated foreign workers is a warning to all "rogue" employers.
The Office of Workplace Services has announced proceedings over alleged breaches of the award, which could result in fines of up to $33,000.
The ACT secretary of the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union claims workers at the restaurant were paid close to half the award wage.
David Bibo says they often worked 60-hour weeks as well, and there are stories of serious mistreatment of foreign workers.
"Probably the most worrying one was when one of the workers actually stood up for himself and asked to be treated properly and paid properly.
"He was forced into a car which was then driven towards Sydney international airport because his employers told him that they were going to send him back to Manila."