The Fair Work Ombudsman has conducted surprise inspections on about 30 restaurants, cafés and fast food outlets in Melbourne’s inner west to ensure workers are being paid correctly.
Fair Work Inspectors have been assessing compliance with workplace laws by speaking with business owners, managers and employees and requesting records.
The regulator is acting after receiving intelligence, including enquiries and anonymous reports, indicating potential breaches of workplace laws by businesses in the areas.
Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said that the inspection activities include a focus on employers of visa holders as it is noted that visa workers are more vulnerable to exploitation due to their dependence on their employer and limited understanding of their rights.
“All employees have the same basic workplace entitlements, regardless of nationality and visa status. Protecting vulnerable employees such as visa holders and improving compliance in the fast food, restaurant and café sector are ongoing priorities for the Fair Work Ombudsman,” Parker said. “If our inspectors find breaches of workplace laws, we will hold employers to account and consider enforcement action where appropriate.”
Inspectors are on alert for unlawfully low rates of pay; flat rates; ‘off the books’ employment arrangements; false or inaccurate records; unreasonable unpaid trials; adverse action such as threats or reduced hours for raising concerns about entitlements; inadequate breaks and more.
These surprise inspections are part of a national program that has previously targeted food precincts in inner south Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth, Darwin, Launceston and the Gold Coast.
