Pizza Hut Exmployee fined for exploiting driver
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A Gold Coast Pizza Hut operator has been hit with a $216,000 fine for exploiting an Indian delivery driver and trying to cover it up.
The Fair Work Ombudsman took action against against Dong Zhao after one of his drivers complained he’d suffered anxiety and anguish from being underpaid, and had to borrow money from his family to support his student wife.
Zhao, who operates an Upper Coomera Pizza Hut franchise, was fined $36,700 and his company $180,000 after admitting breaking sham contracting laws, designed to stop employers from misrepresenting workers as independent contractors.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the total penalty imposed for the exploitation of the delivery driver?
What is the total penalty imposed for the exploitation of the delivery driver?
The Gold Coast Pizza Hut operator and his company received a combined fine of $216,000. Dong Zhao was fined $36,700 personally, while his company faced a separate fine of $180,000 for the breaches.
Q.Which specific Pizza Hut outlet was involved in this case?
Which specific Pizza Hut outlet was involved in this case?
The exploitation occurred at an Upper Coomera Pizza Hut franchise. This outlet is operated by Dong Zhao, who was identified as the individual responsible for the actions leading to the fine.
Q.What kind of laws did the operator admit to breaking?
What kind of laws did the operator admit to breaking?
The operator admitted to breaking sham contracting laws. These specific laws are designed to prevent employers from falsely classifying workers as independent contractors, thereby avoiding their responsibilities to employees.
Q.What impact did the underpayment have on the delivery driver?
What impact did the underpayment have on the delivery driver?
The delivery driver reported suffering anxiety and anguish due to the underpayment. He also had to borrow money from his family members to support his student wife, highlighting the financial strain caused by the exploitation.
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