A Sydney shoe chain could be forced to pay out more than $100,000 after it was accused of underpaying a foreign national.
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Winton Jacob International Pty Ltd, which traded as C de C Shoes, and director Winston Guo will face the Australian Federal Court over claims they underpaid workers.
The company was first issued a compliance notice by a Fair Work Inspector in December last year over allegations a Chinese visa holder had been underpaid minimum wages, weekend and holiday penalty rates and leave entitlements.
It operated stores in the Sydney CBD and at Macquarie Park before closing down last year.
Fair Work Australia alleged the company then failed to comply with the notice, leaving the ex-employee more than $15,000 out of pocket.
Winton Jacob International could face up to $41,000 for not allegedly complying with the notice, while Mr Guo could be out of pocket $8250.
An alleged failure to issue payslips could also cost the company more than $66,000, with its director facing a personal penalty of $13,320.
The regulator will also fight for the company to repay outstanding wages in full, plus interest and superannuation.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said any employees concerned about entitlements or pay should contact the regulator.
"Where employers do not comply, we will take appropriate action to protect employees. A court can order a business to pay penalties in addition to back-paying," she said.
"Employers also need to be aware that taking action to protect workers such as visa holders who can often be more vulnerable is a priority for the Fair Work Ombudsman."
The matter will appear before the Federal Circuit Court on February 2.
