Fair Work Ombudsman investigating Merivale

The Fair Work Ombudsman has confirmed that it is investigating the Merivale Hospitality Group, following allegations of misconduct towards staff by the hospitality giant.

A spokesperson for the Ombudsman told Hospitality‘s sister publication The Shout: “The Fair Work Ombudsman is investigating Merivale Hospitality Group. It is not appropriate to comment further. 

“We encourage any workers with concerns to contact us directly for assistance by visiting www.fairwork.gov.au or calling the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94.”

The Ombudsman’s website details its commitment to protecting the privacy of those who report issues, stating: “When you deal with us you have the right be anonymous and the right to use a pseudonym.

“You can report an issue anonymously to us, in English or another language. To find out more, see Report an issue anonymously.”

The Shout contacted the Ombudsman this morning after fresh allegations on Merivale’s treatment of staff was aired on 60 Minutes last night. The program alleged misconduct towards vulnerable workers, including a number of chefs who were recruited in Mexico.

Last night’s program also heard from three of the industry professionals who have established the Sorry Not Sorry Collective after their allegations of harassment and abuse while working for the Swillhouse Group.

As part of The Shout’s ongoing Wednesday Women series, Molly Nicholas spoke to Britt Rowe, Rachelle ‘Rocky’ Hair and Alex Hooker, who appeared on last night’s program, as well as Jenna Hemsworth and Reuben Kahl, about the Sorry Not Sorry Collective and its aims.

That Wednesday Women report highlighted the collective’s drive for justice in the Australian hospitality industry and elevating women and non-binary people into decision-making roles and more.

Speaking to Nicholas in April, Rowe said: “Justice is knowing that negligent, dismissive, power-hungry companies don’t get to make profits off our bodies and leave us traumatised at the end of it. Justice is knowing every 19-year-old girl will walk into work tomorrow and know she is safe. Justice is Queer people being treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. Justice is knowing that the boys’ clubs of yesteryear are dismantled and thrown away.”

Last night’s program also aired allegations surrounding Maurice Terzini and his son Sylvester Terzini, from Maurice’s ex-wife Emma Addams. The Sydney Morning Herald has previously made allegations of sexual and violent misconduct against Sylvester, additionally alleging Maurice tried to protect his son by moving him around venues.

Addams told the SMH, 60 Minutes and The Age investigation team: “I’m horrified that men like this can operate within this industry. The industry has to be held accountable.”

The need to do more to improve workplace safety was highlighted just last week with the news that a recent SafeWork NSW compliance program saw 16 improvement notices issued to 11 venues in NSW. Key issues identified included insufficient consultation with staff on managing workplace risks, limited staff training on incident response, and a lack of detailed risk assessments specific to sexual harassment in the hospitality context.

It was in October last year that allegations of sexual crimes, harassment, and assault first shone the light on the hospitality industry. At that time, the team that is Australian Hotelier, Bars & Cocktails, National Liquor News and The Shout, put together a statement sharing our united condemnation of the allegations that were made.

The publications remain steadfast in that condemnation and the need to do more to stop any kind of abuse happening.

Workers can call SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or report online using the SafeWork Psychosocial Hazards Report Form. 

If you’re currently in distress, please head to 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for support.

This article originally appeared in Hospitality Magazine’s sister publication The Shout.