Sydney Grocers Slapped with $706,000 Fine for Massive Staff Underpayment: Rights Watchdog Takes Action
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Asian grocery chains Thai Kee Grocer Pty Ltd and G Grocer Kingsford Pty Ltd, both based in Sydney, have been imposed with a combined fine of $706,000. This fine resulted from underpaying a total of 146 employees, as discovered by investigations from the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO).
Investigation and Findings
FWO launched investigations into Thai Kee Grocer and G Grocer Kingsford, also known as Gong Grocer World Square and Kingsford, last year. The investigation uncovered that the underpaid workers held positions as shop assistants and office administrators. Of these underpaid employees, 32 were on visas, and three were between 18 and 19 years of age.
The two grocery firms were found to have underpaid their staff by a total of $657,469 over an 18-month period. Between August 2023 and February 2025, Thai Kee Grocer underpaid 104 of its employees $446,379, while Gong Grocer Kingsford underpaid 42 workers by $211,090.
Thai Kee Grocer and G Grocer Kingsford have since corrected the underpayment issues.
FWO’s Statement
Fair Work Ombudsman, Anna Booth, emphasized that all employers must adhere to their obligations under relevant awards and the Fair Work Act. She stated, “Employees have a right to their full range of entitlements. For instance, increased pay rates on weekends are intended to compensate for working during hours that are typically inconvenient when most others do not work.”
The FWO acknowledged Thai Kee Grocer and G Grocer Kingsford’s commitments to enhance their payroll process in the future, and expressed gratitude to the employees for voicing their concerns.
Questions & Answers
What were the companies under investigation for?
The companies Thai Kee Grocer and G Grocer Kingsford were under investigation for underpaying their employees.
How many employees were affected and what were their roles within the companies?
A total of 146 workers were affected by the underpayment. These workers held roles as shop assistants and office administrators.
What actions have the companies taken since the underpayments were discovered?
Since the underpayments were discovered, both Thai Kee Grocer and G Grocer Kingsford have rectified the underpayment issues and have committed to enhancing their payroll process in the future.