Hungry Jack's apologizes to Bendigo’s underpaid employees
According to the burger chain’s statement, the situation was the result of an administrative error.
The independent owner of Hungry Jack’s Bendigo regrets the unfortunate underpayment of some of its current and former employees but was quick to contact those affected and to voluntarily facilitate payments of any outstanding wages.
The situation, which occurred between 2005 and 2009, was the result of an administrative error.
Under the Hungry Jack’s franchisee agreement it is the responsibility of individual franchisee to ensure its employees are paid under the relevant and current award as, legally, Hungry Jack’s Australia has no control over the terms and conditions of a franchisee’s employees.
The owner of Hungry Jack’s Bendigo has been a long-term and successful franchisee for more than 15 years and a good local employer. He values his small team and sincerely regrets the situation.
Since becoming aware of the breach, the franchisee has reviewed processes to ensure this type of administrative error doesn’t occur again including the appointment of a qualified payroll adviser.
The franchisee was only penalised 20 per cent of the potential maximum due to various mitigating circumstances including the fact it had no “priors” and voluntarily rectified all underpayments.
Hungry Jack’s and its franchisees take their responsibilities as an employer very seriously and are proud of their record as a reputable and major employer for 40 years.
As the franchisor, Hungry Jack’s apologises to those affected and will continue to work on ensuring that it remains an employer of choice for young Australians.
