Convenience store giant 7-Eleven is getting rid of an independent panel it hired to uncover underpayment of workers across its stores but has promised to continue the claims process internally.
Last year Professor Allan Fels was appointed by the chain to investigate its stores after it was revealed some franchisees systematically underpaid international students, who were threatened with deportation if they reported it.
By the end of the March this year, the Fels Wage Panel said it had determined payouts of almost $10m to past and present staff with an average payout of $33,284 per claim.
Fairfax Media had earlier reported that the total reimbursement bill could top $100m.
But it was announced today that Professor Fels' panel will cease its work on Friday.
Meanwhile, all existing and new wages claims will be handled by an independent unit within 7-Eleven.
