Industry watchdog probes Chin Chin over claims staff were not paid appropriate overtime

TOP Melbourne eatery Chin Chin is under investigation by Victoria’s industrial watchdog over claims the famous CBD restaurant underpaid staff.

TOP Melbourne eatery Chin Chin is being probed by Victoria’s industrial watchdog over claims it underpaid staff.

The Fair Work Ombudsman confirmed it had launched an investigation into The Lucas Group — which owns the Chin Chin restaurant in Melbourne — with investigators requesting rosters and payment summaries from the famous eatery.

It comes after former bartender Sorcha Harrop, 24, launched legal action in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court last Monday, claiming she regularly worked more than 10 extra hours per week and was not properly compensated for the overtime.

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The Lucas Group owner Chris Lucas at Chin Chin restaurant on Flinders Lane.

Sorcha Harrop has launched legal action against the hospitality group. Picture: Wayne Taylor

Ms Harrop claimed staff were rostered to work 52 hours a week but paid for only 38, and she is currently in negotiations with the company over the case.

However, it is believed the Fair Work Ombudsman has launched a separate investigation and is taking the allegations seriously, with a series of big name restaurants being hit with similar claims in recent months.

Chris Lucas, the so-called king of Melbourne casual dining and founder of The Lucas Group, is reportedly relaxed about the investigation and confident the watchdog would not find any staff were ­underpaid.

“I am committed to ensuring The Lucas Group’s valued employees are paid correctly and within the current employment laws,” he told the Herald Sun.

Chin Chin is under investigation amid allegations staff were underpaid.

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“We have been dealing with Sorcha Harrop and her allegations since immediately after we were made aware of them.

“We moved swiftly to determine the veracity of the claim, although we dispute many of the allegations that have been made against The Lucas Group.”

Jess Walsh, secretary of the hospitality union, United Voice Victoria, welcomed the news of the Fair Work Ombudsman probe.

“It should send a message to hospitality employers everywhere: the days of your workers remaining silent about wage theft are over,” she said.

“Now they need to commit to rapidly repay every other past and present member of their workforce who’ve had wages stolen from them.”

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