Chin Chin accused of underpaying workers
Top Melbourne eatery Chin Chin has become embroiled in claims that it’s underpaying workers.
Bartender Sorcha Harrop, 24, launched legal action in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court last week alleging the venue regularly underpaid staff who worked there more than 10 hours a week.
Ms Harrop claims she and staff were paid for 38 hours a week when in fact they worked 52 hours.
“The work was rostered and they assumed you agreed to work an extra 12 to 13 hours a week,” Ms Harrop told the Herald Sun.
“Everybody raves about Chin Chin but everyone who works there are overworked and unhappy.”
Her claims are being backed by other former staff.
Ms Harrop hopes to recoup more than $9000 in alleged lost wages and superannuation.
She is being represented pro-bono by Maurice Blackburn Lawyers.
Senior associate Daniel Victory said Chin Chin seemed to be using a loophole to undercompensate staff for regularly doing overtime which meant this was a test case for the entire industry.
“I think underpayment in the hospitality sector is rife,’’ Mr Victory told the Herald Sun.
“These workers are vulnerable and their rates of pay are not high to start with.”
Chin Chin, owned by hospitality king Chris Lucas, however has denied the allegations.
The Lucas Group said it was trying to settle the claim.
It says this case is unique and does not reflect any systemic issues.
“We have been dealing with Sorcha and her allegations since immediately after we were made aware of them,” Mr Lucas told the Herald Sun.
“We have moved swiftly to reconcile her hours and have made several attempts to contact her to attempt to resolve the dispute.
“I am committed to ensuring The Lucas Group’s valued employees are paid correctly and within the current employment laws.”
Chin Chin is not the only restaurant accused of underpaying staff.
A United Voice Victoria survey found 76 per cent of hospitality workers were paid below award wages. Some were getting less than $10 an hour.
by Leon Gettler, November 20th 2017
