Sunshine Coast hospitality workers underpaid by $200K+

Sunshine Coast hospitality employees have received more than $200,000 after Fair Work probes uncovered employers were underpaying staff, including one business who had ripped off nearly 100 workers.

Employees in the Sunshine Coast food sector have been compensated over underpaid wages after investigations by Fair Work. Photo: iStock

More than 400 Sunshine Coast workers employed in the food sector were found to have been underpaid after investigations by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

A Fair Work release stated $223,107 was recovered for 447 Sunshine Coast employees after conducting surprise inspections at 21 Sunshine Coast fast food, restaurant and cafe venues.

The inspections were prompted by various sources including anonymous reports, the release stated.

Businesses subject to investigations are located in Noosa Heads, Sunrise Beach and Noosaville.

Of 19 finalised probes, 14 venues - or 68 per cent of businesses - were to have breached workplace laws.

The largest amount recovered from any single business racked up to $105,137 for 99 employees - predominantly casual wait staff and kitchen staff - who were underpaid their overtime hours and penalty rates.

The release stated it found the most common breach to have been underpayment or failure to pay penalty rates, followed by failure to pay correct minimum wages for ordinary hours, overtime hours and leave hours as well as record-keeping breaches.

Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said improving compliance in hospitality sectors is an ongoing priority.

“These disappointing Sunshine Coast findings are part of a national food precincts program where we’ve often found that low-cost dining comes at the expense of workers’ lawful wages,” Ms Booth said.

She emphasised all employers must abide to wage laws, including compensation rates for employees working at times when most people are not.

“Those doing the wrong thing are being found out and held to account,” Ms Booth said.

She encouraged employers to use free online resources or seek free advice from Fair Work to ensure all obligations have been met.

“We also urge workers with concerns about wages and entitlements to reach out to us - including anonymously if preferred.”

The release stated five infringement notices regarding payslip and record-keeping were issued and resulted in $26,650 in fines paid.

One business remains under investigation.

The Fair Work Ombudsman secured more than $800,000 in court-ordered penalties against hospitality employers across Australia in 2022-23.

Originally published as Sunshine Coast hospitality workers underpaid by $200K+