Young worker blows the whistle on underpaid staff

The Fair Work Ombudsman has accused a coffee shop in Melbourne of underpaying its workers by up to $83,000, with amounts allegedly owed ranging from $45 up to $17,103.

Many of the workers are international students from non-English speaking backgrounds, and a third of them aged under 21.

They were allegedly paid only $8 or $10 per hour.

The Fair Work Ombudsman claims this has resulted in underpayment of their minimum hourly rates, weekend and public holiday penalty rates, casual loadings, minimum shift pay and a clothing allowance.

The Ombudsman was tipped off by an employee who made a complaint.

If you ever think something is not right at work, speak up. It can help you and the other people you work with.