Embroiled convenience chain 7-Eleven has reacted to new claims of worker exploitation after revelations that the Fair Work Ombudsman is considering further legal action. While 7 Eleven has made efforts to change, including adapting its business model, changes to senior management and setting up compensation schemes to underpaid workers, new evidence has emerged that workers […]
7-Eleven shop owners aren’t the only employers short-changing staff and deliberately ignoring workers’ rights. A Malaysian restaurant in inner Sydney was last week fined almost $300,000 for using false records to disguise wage underpayments. Six staff members at the Mamak restaurant, five of which were visa-holders, were paid as little as $11 an hour between […]
The Fair Work Ombudsman, Natalie James, made an announcement at a recent Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI) briefing that put employers and advisers on notice when complying with workplace laws and regulations. New penalties have been implemented to fine individuals who are involved in facilitating a breach of the law as accessories. Before recently, Fair […]
The National Retail Association (NRA) welcomes the reappointment of Senator Michaelia Cash as the Minister for Employment in the re-elected Turnbull Government. We view this as a very clear signal that the Government intends to pursue the industrial relations agenda for which it received a mandate at the election. We’ve mentioned previously the importance of […]
In light of the recent election results, the Coalition is set to make dramatic changes to businesses engaging in wage fraud. With $20 million worth of funding, the Coalition is set to introduce a policy which will clamp down on wage fraud nationally, alongside new penalties which will be 10 times higher than the current […]
A recent decision in the Federal Circuit Court is one of the latest episodes in the ongoing 7-Eleven wages saga. Federal Circuit Court Judge, Michael Jarrett, saw fit to impose the largest penalty ever ordered for an action brought by the Fair Work Ombudsman on the operator of 7-Eleven franchise. Judge Jarrett, found that the […]
The Fair Work Ombudsman has taken legal action against another 7-Eleven franchisee for underpaying 12 employees. Couple Haiyao Xu and Yiran Gu, who operated a 7-Eleven store in Parkville Melbourne, were found to have underpaid staff by over $84,000 while building up a near $3 million property portfolio. Judge Suzanne Jones said, “There can be […]
Business doesn’t stop on 30 June. There are no grace periods for getting some well-earned shut eye as the doors open back up and the online orders keep rolling in. Most businesses have tunnel vision at this tough time of year, however it’s important to keep the future in the forefront of your thoughts. The […]
Details of the Coalition’s plan for a strong new economy have been revealed including a policy to protect vulnerable workers following the recent 7-Eleven wages scandal. The controversy and issues surrounding the exploitation of staff at 7-Eleven has demonstrated the need to strengthen existing laws. More specifically, this saga has exposed a widespread practice amongst […]
The Fair Work Ombudsman has handed down a record fine of over $200,000 to the owner of a Sydney 7-Eleven after they found he had short-changed two migrant employees and falsified records. The penalties were the largest delivered as a warning to others who may be tempted or engaging in similar conduct. In late 2015 […]