The former operators of a Brisbane cafe is set to face trial for allegedly failing to pay compensation to an unfairly dismissed worker. According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, G & G Group Trading Pty Ltd, which formerly operated Bar Spritz at Kangaroo Point, and the company’s sole director and shareholder, Giuseppe Virzi, were involved in the unfair dismissal of a barista in November 2019.
Prior to the dismissal, the barista worked in Bar Spritz since 2017 and since the dismissal was not given her due compensation.
The Fair Work Commission looked into the matter in 2020 and, as a result, initially ordered the company in September 2020 to pay the worker $5,096.14 compensation, plus $677.78 in superannuation entitlements within three weeks. However, the company has yet to comply with the order.
“It is fundamental for the integrity of the workplace relations system that Fair Work Commission orders are complied with,” Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said. “The Fair Work Ombudsman is clearly prepared to take legal action to ensure that employees receive compensation they are lawfully entitled to.”
The company faces a penalty of up to $66,600, and Virzi faces could be fined a maximum of $13,320. The Fair Work Ombudsman is also seeking a court order for the company to pay the outstanding compensation and superannuation owed to the employee, plus interest.
A directions hearing in the Federal Circuit Court in Brisbane is scheduled for 29 June 2021.
