The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has awarded more than 79,000 to an Indian national who was subjected to “economic slavery” while employed as a chef in Dundalk.
The case was brought by the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) on behalf of Vasantkumar Barot against his employer, Madhu Foods Limited, which operates Guru Indian Cuisine in Dundalk, Co Louth.
Adjudication officer Brian Dalton found in favour of Mr Barot across multiple complaints, including breaches of the National Minimum Wage Act, the Organisation of Working Time Act, and the Employment Equality Act, with the WRC finding that Mr Barot had been harassed on the grounds of his race.
Mr Barot, an Indian national with no English language ability, was recruited in India in September 2022 by the owner of Guru Indian Cuisine, Gauravbhai Barot, and was promised work as a commis chef for approximately 40 hours per week at around 570 per week.
Before he had even set foot in Ireland, Mr Barot was required to pay approximately 12,500 in “recruitment fees” – money he was falsely told was needed to cover the cost of his work permit. He borrowed these funds from family and friends in India.
Upon his arrival in Ireland, Mr Barot was required to work from 8am to 10:30pm Monday to Friday, and from 2pm to 2am on weekends, totalling more than 96 hours per week – more than double the legal maximum.
Before each restaurant shift, he was required to carry out farm work, gardening, and personal errands for his employer.
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