A Gold Coast Pizza Hut operator has been hit with a $216,000 fine for exploiting an Indian delivery driver and trying to cover it up.
The Fair Work Ombudsman took action against against Dong Zhao after one of his drivers complained he’d suffered anxiety and anguish from being underpaid, and had to borrow money from his family to support his student wife.
Zhao, who operates an Upper Coomera Pizza Hut franchise, was fined $36,700 and his company $180,000 after admitting breaking sham contracting laws, designed to stop employers from misrepresenting workers as independent contractors.