Restaurant staff 'underpaid' $50k

The former operator of a Canberra restaurant is facing court action for allegedly underpaying staff by more than $50,000.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has launched prosecution against the former operator of the Mecca Bah restaurant in Manuka.

The ombudsman alleges Damien Micah Trytell underpaid 26 staff a total of $51,000 in 2009.

The kitchen staff and waiters were allegedly paid flat hourly rates, resulting in the underpayment of penalty rates for night, overtime, weekend and public holiday work.

Some staff were also allegedly underpaid casual loadings and annual leave.

Alleged underpayments for each staff member range from $65 to more than $6,000.

A directions hearing is listed for the Federal Magistrates Court later this month.

Source: ABC News, 14 August 2012