Sydney restaurant operators face court
The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against the operators of a Sydney restaurant for an alleged breach affecting a young worker.
Facing court are PE Jayz Pty Ltd, which operates Cedar Dough bakery and pizza bar in Chatswood, and company director, Jalila Assaf.
The regulator investigated after receiving a request for assistance from a worker PE Jayz Pty Ltd employed as a café all-rounder on a casual basis for about eight weeks from April to June, 2025. The worker was aged 22 at the time.
A Fair Work Inspector issued a Compliance Notice to PE Jayz in September 2025 after forming a belief it had not paid the worker’s full entitlements under the Restaurant Industry Award 2020.
The inspector formed a belief the company had not fully paid the worker’s casual loading, Saturday and public holiday penalty rates, and an entitlement for extra payments when she worked for longer than 6 hours without being permitted to take a break.
The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges PE Jayz, without reasonable excuse, failed to comply with the Compliance Notice, which required it to calculate and back-pay the worker’s entitlements.
PE Jayz allegedly also breached pay slip laws.
The FWO alleges Ms Assaf was involved in PE Jayz’s alleged failure to comply with the Compliance Notice.
Acting Fair Work Ombudsman Rachel Volzke said the regulator would continue to enforce workplace laws and take action in court where lawful requests and pay slip laws were not complied with.
“Where employers do not comply, we will take appropriate action to protect employees. A court can order a business to pay penalties, and to take steps to comply with a Compliance Notice, including back-paying entitlements,” Ms Volzke said.
“The law also demands that all employees be given accurate pay slips. Pay slips provide employees with the clarity they need about their pay, and we expect every employer to follow laws requiring them to provide pay slips to their employees within one business day of them being paid.
“Employers should also be aware that taking action to protect young workers, who may be vulnerable, and improve compliance in the fast food, restaurant and café sector are among our top priorities.
“Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us for free advice and assistance.”
The FWO is seeking penalties in court. For the alleged failure to comply with the Compliance Notice, PE Jayz faces a penalty of up to $99,000 and Ms Assaf faces a penalty of up to $19,800.
For the alleged pay slip contravention, PE Jayz faces a penalty of up to $99,000.
The regulator is also seeking orders requiring the company to comply with the Compliance Notice, including calculating and rectifying any outstanding entitlements, plus superannuation and interest.
A directions hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Sydney on 6 May 2026.
Employers and employees can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for free advice and assistance. An interpreter service is available on 13 14 50.
In 2024-25, the FWO secured total court penalties of more than $870,000 for failures to comply with Compliance Notices.
Employees can also seek information from their employer or their union, if they are a union member.
Fair Work Ombudsman, 4th May 2026
