Pub fined for forcing worker on to AWA
September 19, 2007
A HOBART pub has been fined $35,000 after the Federal Magistrates Court found its owner and manager forced a 19-year-old worker to sign an Australian Workplace Agreement (AWA).
The total penalty was $35,250 on the company trading as Granada Tavern, due to actions taken by pub owner Michael Hibberd and general manager Jocelyn Berechree.
Magistrate Philip Burchardt said the behaviour of Mr Hibberd and Ms Berechree towards the young woman was bad.
"It was intended to, and I have no doubt did, place a great deal of strain on a young woman in a completely disempowered situation," he said in his judgment.
Workplace Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson said the decision and the penalty were a victory for workers, especially the young employed in the hotel and hospitality industry.
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