Pay complaints prompt Fair Work chicken franchise raids

Pay complaints by a Korean fried chicken chain’s employees have prompted raids by Fair Work at nearly 20 outlets across the country, including in Melbourne.

Fair Work officers after the raid on Gami Chicken in Little Lonsdale. Picture: David Crosling

Pay complaints by workers at a Korean fried chicken franchise have prompted raids by Fair Work at nearly 20 stores across Australia.

Fair Work Ombudsman inspectors today conducted surprise audits at 19 Gami Chicken and Beer outlets today in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.

Investigators entered one of the Melbourne stores, on Little Lonsdale St, at noon, spending more than half an hour inside.

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Investigators spent more than half an hour inside the store. Picture: David Crosling

Two Fair Work investigators leaving a Melbourne CBD location of Korean chicken store Gami with folders of evidence. They were in the small shop for more than half an hour. Another 18 stores being raided today. @theheraldsun @fairwork_gov_au pic.twitter.com/MqiqXCiGts

— Tamsin Rose (@tamsinroses) April 11, 2019

The investigation into the franchise chain will check both franchisee and franchisor compliance with Australia’s workplace laws.

Two Fair Work officers spoke with staff, collected evidence and took photographs.

The raid on the store and 18 others came after more than 20 anonymous claims by employees they were being underpaid, including with penalty rates, and not being given pay slips.

“We will review pay records at 19 Melbourne, Sydney and Perth stores to ensure they are complying with important pay slip laws,” Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said in a statement.

“Like many people working in the fast food sector, Gami Chicken and Beer staff are potentially vulnerable due to their age, cultural background or visa status.

“It is important for us to talk with these workers on the ground so they are aware of their workplace rights and that we can help them.”

A report on Fair Work’s investigation is expected to be prepared and released in the second half of 2019.

Gami Chicken and Beer started in 2006 and began franchising nine years later.

There are restaurants in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Canberra, with new location opportunities being promoted in Brisbane and Adelaide.