The Federal Magistrates court has fined the Holy Grail restaurant/bar in Kingston and Civic almost $30,000 for breaching workplace relations laws.
Holy Grail first came under investigation in 2006 following complaints by skilled migrant workers working on 457 visas that they were being underpaid.
Further investigation by the Workplace Ombudsman found 24 breaches of the Workplace Relations Act and the Liquor and Allied Industries Catering, Café, Restaurant Etc (ACT) Award including underpayment of wages, overtime, pro-rata holiday pay, casual, penalty and public holiday and weekend rates. The breaches included underpaying 141 employees.
“I welcome the decision by the Federal Magistrates court to fine the Holy Grail for failing to fully comply with court orders to reimburse underpaid employees,” Senator Lundy said.
“This decision represents yet another clear message that underpaying employees is against the law.
“I congratulate the brave migrant workers who spoke up and the Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union for their excellent representation. Their actions had the effect of recovering thousands of dollars in underpayments for local hospitality workers.”
Contact: Rachel Allen – 6230 0411 or 0418 488 295
