Melbourne’s Chin Chin restaurant pays bartender $9500 after claims staff not compensated for overtime

CHIN Chin has coughed up a $9500 payout for a former bartender after she claimed she was underpaid by the top Melbourne eatery.

CHIN Chin — one of Melbourne’s most popular dining hot spots — has coughed up $9500 for a former bartender who claimed she was regularly underpaid.

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Sorcha Harrop, 24, received the long-awaited settlement last week, after an extensive battle with the restaurant.

Sorcha Harrop outside Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. Picture: AAP

Ms Harrop argued she worked more than 10 extra hours per week despite only being paid for 38 and said she was never properly rewarded for the extra overtime.

Chris Lucas, the so-called king of Melbourne casual ­dining and founder of The Lucas Group, which owns Chin Chin, has maintained it was a unique case and declined to comment on the recent payment.

Owner of Chin Chin Chris Lucas declined to comment on the payment.

It is understood that as part of the deal, the restaurant will also conduct an independent audit of current and former employees and Ms Harrop will withdraw court action.

“I am so happy to see Chin Chin admit they underpaid me,” Ms Harrop said.

“We wanted to send a message to Chin Chin and hospitality employers everywhere that hospo workers won’t be ­silenced about wage theft.

“When we speak out, we are powerful.”