Fed up with young workers being exploited: Hornery

BY JARROD MELMETH and JESSICA ROUSE

Exploitative business practices are being called out and Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery is calling for more protections for workers both young and old who are being exploited by them.

It comes after reports last week of the Fair Work ombudsman pursuing legal action against Tokyo Sushi outlets throughout NSW, including one in Fletcher.

The business allegedly underpaid seven workers more than $22,000 between January and September 2016.

Sonia Hornery is moving a Notice of Motion in the NSW Parliament calling on the government to do more to protect vulnerable young workers who are being exploited and cheated out of the wages they are legally obligated to receive.

"I'm not sure how the government will react to this, but hopefully they'll see the sense and fact that they know that there's an award and the award is important. I'm sure they'll see the sense in the fact that it's not appropriate to allow any business to underpay staff," said Sonia Hornery.

"I think the notice of motion will prompt other people to come forward about these reports. I guess its also making businesses aware and any companies aware that young workers or older workers, it's important and not just important but mandatory that you pay them the award rate."

Fair Work Ombudsman takes action against Fletcher sushi operator

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against a number of Tokyo Sushi outlets, including the one at Fletcher, for allegedly underpaying seven workers more than $22,000 between January and September 2016.

Facing the Federal Circuit Court is Kiyoshi Hasegawa, who is involved in operating a number of Tokyo Sushi outlets in NSW and was allegedly involved in underpaying a total of 31 workers engaged across three outlets in the Newcastle and Central Coast regions. 

Inspectors allege during an audit of the Fletcher outlet as part of a routine proactive compliance activity, 15 workers were found to be underpaid a total of $22,567.

It is not the first time a Tokyo Sushi outlet in the Hunter has shortchanged staff, with one former employee telling 2NURFM they have allegedly been underpaid thousands of dollars.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James alleges that many of the underpaid employees were more vulnerable to exploitation in the workplace with seven employees at the Fletcher store were allegedly aged between 16 and 20.

“Employers should be aware that we treat the underpayment of young and overseas workers particularly seriously.

“Young workers and workers from migrant backgrounds can be more vulnerable to exploitation as they are often reluctant to complain or are less aware of their rights.

“My agency is committed to sending a message to all business operators that anyone who attempts to capitalise on these vulnerabilities can expect to face serious enforcement action,” Ms James said.

Image source: Tripadvisor