Fair Work takes former Vic Park eatery, Globe Pan & Grill, to court for alleged wage underpayments of 16 staff

The former manager of a restaurant in East Victoria Park is facing legal action in the Federal Court after the Fair Work Ombudsman accused him of failing to repay staff he allegedly underpaid for nearly two years.

GCH Vic Park Pty Ltd, which operated the now-closed Globe Pan and Grill on the Albany Highway, was hit by the lawsuits, along with company director Jay Patel.

The regulator stepped in as part of a wider proactive oversight of the fast-food, restaurant and café sector.

Fair Work inspectors allege the company short-changed 16 workers, including cooks and catering staff, between December 2021 and July 2023.

Workers were employed full-time, part-time and in temporary roles.

According to the Ombudsman, staff were not paid minimum wage rates, weekend penalty rates and annual leaves that accrued but were not taken due to dismissal.

A compliance notice was issued to the company in August 2023, ordering it to calculate and repay its debt.

However, the ombudsman alleges GCH Vic Park failed to comply without reasonable excuse and Mr Patel was implicated in the breach.

The Ombudsman’s Anna Booth said the regulator was committed to raising standards in the hospitality industry and warned employers they could be held accountable if they ignore legal guidance.

“We will continue to enforce workplace laws and take employers to court if legal demands are not complied with,” Ms Booth said.

“Any employees with concerns about their pay or rights should contact us for free advice and assistance.”

The Ombudsman is seeking fines of up to $46,950 against the company and $9,390 against Mr Patel.

It also wants the court to order GCH Vic Park to comply with the original notice; This means full adjustment of all outstanding benefits, including pension plus interest.