The former operators of three NSW sushi outlets have been fined more than $380,000 for ripping off their employee, including several "vulnerable" migrants on working visas.
The regulator took the previous owners of three Toyko Sushi bars on the NSW Central Coast and Newcastle to court after they found out 31 employees had been underpaid in 2016.
Eight of the underpaid workers were juniors and a number of others were visa holders. The underpayments related to weekday pay, casual pay and penalties.
Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said the regulator was cracking down on underpayments in the fast-food industry.
“Young migrant workers can be particularly vulnerable to exploitation if they are reluctant to complain due to visa concerns or unaware of their workplace rights,” Ms Parker said in a statement.
“The Fair Work Ombudsman takes the blatant underpayment of vulnerable workers particularly seriously, which has been supported by the Court’s substantial penalty.”
She said the regulators discovered the underpayments when they audited more than 40 sushi outlets, across NSW, and South-East Queensland.
The research also shows 70 per cent of Australians don’t know safe cooking temperature for foods that may be contaminated with salmonella Source: SBS
“Inspectors will continue to conduct targeted audits across the fast food, restaurant and café sector and we will hold employers accountable if they are not meeting their lawful obligations,” Ms Parker said.
“We encourage any workers with concerns about their pay to contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free advice and assistance."
Judge Philip Dowdy described the contraventions as “serious” and said there was “no excuse” to rip off workers.
“Employees are entitled to respect and part of that respect is to pay them their full entitlements which must be recognised and known to the employer.”
Judge Dowdy said the penalties should deter employers who might "be inclined to contravene the Fair Work Act in a similar fashion”.
It comes after the Fair Work Commission announced it would increase the minimum wage by three per cent to $19.49 an hour from the first of July.
Employers and employees seeking assistance can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. An interpreter service is available on 13 14 50.
