The Fair Work Ombudsman has secured a $10,656 in penalties against the former operator of a La Porchetta pizza outlet in Wagga Wagga, New South Whales.
Little Italy Wagga Wagga Pty Ltd was the franchisee for the outlet’s Baylis Street location until the agreement ended and the restaurant shutdown last year.
Fair Work investigated the company after recieving a request for assistance from a worker that was aged 20 at the time.
A Compliance Notice was issued in December 2020 after it was believed that Little Italy Wagga Wagga Pty Ltd had underpaid the employee annual leave under the Fair Work Act upon termination of her employment.
Legal action was pursued after the company failed to comply with a Compliance Notice requesting to pay back the employee.
Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker gives a stern warning to operators that fail to act on Compliance Notices.
“When Compliance Notices are not followed, we are prepared to take legal action to ensure workers receive their lawful entitlements,” says Parker.
“Employers also need to be aware that taking action to improve compliance in the fast food, restaurant and café sector continues to be a priority for the FWO. Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us for free advice and assistance.”
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