The owners of the Sinamon cafe chain in Perth have been penalised $31,000 for underpaying a young worker and failing to keep required employment records.
Sinamon – which specialises in cinnamon buns and sweet pastries – operates cafes in Victoria Park, Mt Lawley, Curtin University and Fremantle.
The WA Industrial Magistrates Court found owners Dr Ahmed El Sayed Imam (also known as “Abarai Mido”) and Ms Yan Woon Desiree Hui underpaid the young university student who was working several jobs to make ends meet. The Court also found they failed to pay her any superannuation, and to keep employment records as required by the WA Industrial Relations Act.
The worker gave evidence that when she queried her rate of pay, the couple suggested she find another job if she was unhappy. The worker made a complaint to the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety, which subsequently brought proceedings in the Industrial Magistrates Court following an investigation by an industrial inspector.
This is the third time Dr Imam and Ms Hui have faced the Court. In 2021 they were penalised $14,300 for obstructing industrial inspectors, and in 2023 they were fined $89,800 for breaching court orders to produce employment records.
Imposing the $31,000 penalty, Industrial Magistrate Coleman noted that Dr Imam and Ms Hui had demonstrated “blatant disregard” for the compliance regime and their employment obligations.
Private Sector Labour Relations Director Cara Breuder said the...
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