Canberra and Queanbeyan accused of underpaying workers
The Fair Work Ombudsman has targeted around 20 restaurants and cafes in Canberra and Queeanbeyan for surprise inspections.
The ombudsman was acting on information that these venues may be cheating workers out of pay. Business records will be examined to determine whether staff were "getting the right pay and entitlements".
"Inspectors are on the ground in Queanbeyan and Gungahlin this week speaking with employees and holding employers to account if they are not following workplace laws. We won't hesitate to take enforcement action if needed," Ombudsman Anna Booth said.
"The regulator is acting after receiving intelligence from a range of sources, including anonymous reports, indicating potential underpayments of employees in the food precincts in the area."
"Most of the eateries are 'cheap eats' venues," Booth added.
It is alleged that some of the venues "employed vulnerable workers such as visa holders or young workers".
Booth has made it her priority to protect vulnerable workers.
"These inspections are part of a national food precincts program where we've often found that low-cost dining comes at the expense of workers' lawful wages."
"This sector engages many young workers and visa holders who can be vulnerable, as they are often unaware of their workplace rights or unwilling to speak up," she said.
"We urge workers with concerns about wages and entitlements to reach out to us - including anonymously if preferred."
Free advice is available from the Ombudsman's office if businesses are unsure about certain practices.
This operation expands on an operation in Victoria which recovered more than $680,000 in unpaid wages.
Jonathan Jackson, 15th February 2024
