Food wholesaler accused of underpaying employees $300K

A Melbourne food wholesaler is being prosecuted by the Fair Work Ombudsman for allegedly underpaying 46 employees more than $300,000.

Quality Food World is facing court for the alleged underpayment of its employees - many of whom were foreign workers - a total of $316,795 between 2007 and 2011. The company is accused of underpaying employees’ minimum hourly rates, casual loadings, public holiday pay, overtime rates and annual leave entitlements.

The employees performed work related to the production and packaging of a range of food products.

The Fair Work Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson said the decision to prosecute was based on the vulnerability of the workers and the significant amount of money involved.

Quality Food World’s Production Manager, Atar Schwartz, is also facing court for breaching multiple workplace laws. He faces maximum penalties per breach up to $6600, while the company faces penalties of up to $33,000 per breach.