The operators of Vina Yummy Kitchen in Sandy Bay Hobart have allegedly underpaid two visa holders more than $250,00 and forced them to repay their own wages.
The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against Xuan A Tran and Quang Manh Dong, who run the eatery.
It’s believed the two employees moved to Australia in 2015 to work at the venue from August that year until August 2019 after meeting Tran and Dong in Vietnam.
Dong and Tran required the workers repay $10,810 of their wages and entitlements in cashback payments.
In addition, one worker was underpaid minimum rates, leave entitlements and overtime work.
Tran and Dong failed to give the workers pay slips, did not keep records and provided the Fair Work Ombudsman with false documents.
The Ombudsman is seeking penalties against the two operators and court orders requiring them to back-pay all worker entitlements plus interest.
Tran and Dong together are looking at penalties of up to $12,600 per contravention.
So far, the workers have been paid $6,157.
The matter will be heard in court in October.
Image credit: The Mercury