18 May 2016

A hair product retailer operating two shopping centre kiosks in Melbourne is facing legal action for allegedly underpaying its workers tens of thousands of dollars.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal proceedings against Corioliss Pty Ltd, its director Haim Tomer Diamond and manager Rina Diamond.

It is alleged that 11 employees, including young workers and overseas workers, were paid an hourly rate of as little as $7.86 an hour plus commission, working at kiosks at the Chadstone and Northland Shopping Centres.

The Fair Work Ombudsman claims the 11 employees were collectively underpaid a total of $34,915 for work variously performed between July, 2014 and January last year.

The largest amount allegedly owed to an individual is $4434. The business has commenced rectifying the underpayments.

Court documents also allege that in response to a Notice to Produce employment documents, false records were provided to the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Corioliss has previously received a Letter of Caution from the Fair Work Ombudsman over its concerns about the company’s workplace practices.

The Agency is seeking Court Orders requiring the back-payment of the outstanding wages and entitlements in full.

The Fair Work Ombudsman is also seeking Orders that Corioliss register with the Agency’s My Account portal and complete the Hiring Employees training module on its Online Learning Centre.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says employers need to understand the minimum wage applicable to their workplace and that it is non-negotiable.

Corioliss Pty Ltd faces penalties of up to $51,000 per contravention while Haim Diamond and Rina Diamond each face a penalty of up to $10,200 for each contravention alleged against them.

Employers and employees seeking assistance can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. An interpreter service is available by calling 13 14 50.

Follow Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James on Twitter @NatJamesFWO , the Fair Work Ombudsman @fairwork_gov_au or find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/fairwork.gov.au .

Sign up to receive the Fair Work Ombudsman’s media releases direct to your email inbox at www.fairwork.gov.au/mediareleases.

Media inquiries:

Bryan Littlely, Assistant Director, Media
Mobile: 0447 692 007
bryan.littlely@fwo.gov.au