Belmore Greek restaurant operators face court

Belmore takeaway food business Big Fat Greek is facing court over allegedly breaching fair wok laws.

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) commenced legal action against the fast food business because it believed the business had underpaid a migrant worker.

Big Fat Greek operated in Belmore in South-West Sydney up until its closure late last year. The restaurant employed the alleged underpaid worker as a casual kitchen attendant between 25 October 2021 and 31 July 2022.

The fair work inspector formed a belief that the company had underpaid the worker’s minimum wages, overtime entitlements, penalty rates, and clothing allowance. Fair Work issued a compliance notice requiring the company to pay $11,874 as a result of the alleged breaches.

Peter Sinadinos, the company’s sole director, was allegedly involved in the contravention. The FWO is seeking penalties of up to $46,950 for Big Fat Greek (Belmore) and up to $9,390 for Sinadinos.

Ombudsman Anna Booth said the FWO would take appropriate action to protect employees when employers don’t comply with lawful requests.

“A court can order a business to pay penalties and make payments to workers,” said Booth. “Employers should also be aware that taking action to improve compliance in the fast food, restaurants and cafes sector and protecting visa holder workers are priorities for the FWO. Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us for free advice and assistance.”

The FWO has filed 146 litigations against employers involving visa holder workers, and secured nearly $23 million in penalties in cases that have included visa holder workers, in the seven financial years to June 2024.

Employers and employees can visit Fair Work or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for free advice and assistance.

Photo by Bruna Santos.