Gold Coast bar operator penalised
The Fair Work Ombudsman has secured a penalty in the Federal Circuit Court against the operator of a sports bar located on the Gold Coast.
The Federal Circuit Court has imposed a penalty of $18,000 against Chevron Island Tavern Pty Ltd, which operates a bar trading as Chevron Tavern, in Surfers Paradise.
The penalty was imposed in response to the company failing to comply with a Compliance Notice requiring the back-payment of entitlements totalling $13,417 to six workers.
The Court also ordered Chevron Island Tavern take the action required by the Compliance Notice, which includes rectifying the underpayments owed to the six workers in full, plus superannuation.
Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said business operators that fail to act on Compliance Notices need to be aware they can face court-imposed penalties on top of back-payment orders.
“When Compliance Notices are not followed, we are prepared to take legal action to ensure workers receive their lawful entitlements,” Ms Parker said.
“Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us for free advice and assistance.”
The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated after receiving a request for assistance from a worker.
A Fair Work Inspector issued a Compliance Notice to Chevron Island Tavern in July 2019 after forming a belief six workers, all kitchen and bar staff, were underpaid entitlements owed under the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2010.
The entitlements included weekend, evening, night and public holiday penalty rates, casual loadings and overtime rates.
Five employees were underpaid for work between June and December 2018, and one employee was underpaid for work between May and December 2018.
Employers and employees can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for free advice and assistance about their rights and obligations in the workplace. A free interpreter service is available on 13 14 50.
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Media inquiries:
Ryan Pedler, Assistant Director - Media
Mobile: 0411 430 902
ryan.pedler@fwo.gov.au
