Snap protest underway outside café accused of wage theft
A snap protest is currently underway outside a Melbourne café accused of wage theft.
The Hospo Voice Union is leading the noisy protest outside the ‘Hairy Little Sista’ café in Melbourne’s CBD.
Snap protest underway outside café
In a new tactic to battle wage theft, Hospo Voice targets venues accused of ripping off its workers with noisy public protests that attract attention from mainstream media.
It’s called “name and shame”.
Dozens of protesters are tonight outside the café.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:
Workers paid $17 an hour
Earlier this week, a number of former workers of the café spoke out, claiming management paid them as little as $17 an hour cash in hand.
Many also claim the business owes them wages and unpaid superannuation.
Hairy Little Sista allegedly sacked one worker after he asked for $3,000 in unpaid wages.
Meanwhile, the ATO sent a tax bill to another worker when he discovered the cafe’s owners had allegedly failed making his regular contributions.
Kristine Becker owns Hairy Little Sista, and admits to making mistakes.
However, she maintained she has always tried to do the right thing by her employees.
Public shaming
Miles Heffernan, Director of Litigation at IR Claims, said businesses who fail to pay their workers properly risk public shaming.
“This is the third or fourth business to cop the wrath of the Hospo Voice union,” he said.
“The message from the union is that if you mistreat your workers, they will let everybody know about it.
“And in addition, you can subsequently expect a visit from the Fair Work Ombudsman.”
Call our team at Industrial Relations Claims today on