FunTea worker included on blacklist of employees who ‘create trouble’

An Adelaide woman allegedly assaulted at work has been targeted on social media, along with others also accused of “creating trouble” for bosses.

Say Leng Kapsis, who founded the group Fair Go SA, is one of the people on the blacklist. Picture: Russell Millard

The young worker who was allegedly assaulted at Gouger St bubble tea shop FunTea has been included on a “blacklist” of people who have spoken out about poor working conditions in Chinese-run businesses.

The woman, 22, who is too frightened to be named publicly, was included in a post published on AdelaideBBS.com, a site described as a Chinese-language version of Gumtree.

It calls on employers to boycott workers who “create trouble”, after video of the incident went viral and sparked several protests.

“Many people have lost their jobs since the FunTea (incident),” the translated post reads.

“I suggest all Chinese bosses unite together, form a blacklist and report the names of international students who create trouble, so that they cannot be hired for life.”

The list, first posted late last month by an anonymous account with the username “apple123321”, includes photos and personal details such as private WeChat accounts and chat logs.

The Advertiser is not suggesting the poster has any connection to FunTea.

Three others are mentioned, including activists Jackie Chen, founder of SA Labour Info Hub, and Say Leng Kapsis, founder of Fair Go SA – both of whom were vocal in condemning the FunTea incident.

Ms Kapsis, who said she was sharing her own views, not those of Fair Go SA, said she feels compelled to speak out about the issue, despite concerns for her safety.

“I have been publicly against wage theft and illegal business practices and … I believe this is revenge,” she said.

“The Chinese community is so small, it’s easy for people to be targeted like this.”

Mr Chen, who spoke at an Anti-Poverty Network SA rally on Friday, was similarly resolute: “We’re not scared at all,” he said.

The fourth person mentioned is Leo Guo, who said he last year reported two employers to the Fair Work Ombudsman because of underpayment allegations.

Mr Guo claims he is owed at least $3000 from Max Print Group at Melrose Park and about $7000 from Broz Wholesale at Green Fields.

Jackie Chen spoke at a rally held on the steps of Parliament House on Friday. Photo: Kelly Barnes

A spokesman for the printing business said it went into voluntary administration last month and has no outstanding debts, while Broz Wholesale, a fencing supply company, declined to comment on the allegation.

Last month, footage was posted to social media of a young female worker being slapped and kicked during a confrontation at the Gouger St store.

FunTea director Jason Duan later admitted the worker was paid just $10 an hour. His associate, 39-year-old Gavin Guo, was charged with assault and bailed to appear in court in May.

A Fair Work Ombudsman spokesman confirmed it was looking into the FunTea matter.

“The Fair Work Ombudsman is conducting an investigation into underpayment allegations at FunTea and it is not appropriate to comment further,” a statement said.

“Any workers with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman directly.”

The bubble tea store was closed for a period after the incident, but has now reopened with a sign indicating it is under new management.