Fair Work Ombudsman launches legal action against salon operators on behalf Chinese visa holders

Two operators of a beauty salon in Adelaide will front court for allegedly underpaying the minimum wages of two Chinese nationals.

Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker says her office will take appropriate action to protect employees. Picture: Aaron Francis/The Australian

Two women will face court after allegedly underpaying two Chinese-national employees.

The Fair Work Ombudsman took legal action against Yi Yang and Xurui Zhang from the Bestie House Salon in Adelaide’s CBD after they allegedly failed to pay the employees their full wages and entitlements between September 2018 and June 2019.

A compliance notice – requiring calculations and back payments to the workers – was sent to the business’s two operators in April this year, but the Fair Work Inspector said the women failed to comply “without reasonable excuse”.

An investigation into the payments began after the two visa holders from China, who were employed casually, asked for assistance.

Yi Yang and Xurui Zhang from the Bestie House Salon, in Adelaide's CBD, are due to front court in October. Picture: Facebook

Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker is seeking penalties against Ms Yang and Ms Zhang and for the women to comply with the compliance notice, which includes them recertifying underpayments in full.

Ms Yang and Ms Zhang are due to front the Federal Circuit Court in October, and each face a maximum penalty of $6300.

Ms Parker said the regulator would continue to enforce workplace laws and take matters to court if lawful requests are not complied with.

Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker has taken legal action against the operators of the Bestie House Salon. Picture: Aaron Francis/The Australian

“Under the Fair Work Act, compliance notices are important tools used by inspectors if they form a belief that an employer has breached workplace laws,” Ms Parker said.

“Where our requests are not complied with, we will take appropriate action to protect employees. A court can order business operators to pay penalties in addition to back-paying workers.”

Employers and employees can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the 13 13 94 for free advice and assistance.