The owner of a chain of hairdressing salons has been ordered to pay a penalty of $42,804 for underpaying two migrant workers who worked as hairdressers.

In April 2021, Mr Wei Zhu trading as Shining Quick Cutz, was ordered by the Industrial Magistrates Court to repay the two employees more than $90,000 in total for unpaid wages under the state Hairdressers Award 1989, plus interest. 

The Court proceedings followed an investigation by industrial inspectors from the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety. 

Shining Quick Cutz operates salons at Stockland Bull Creek, Southlands Boulevarde, The Square Mirrabooka and Maddington Central Shopping Centres.

Private Sector Labour Relations Executive Director, Lorraine Field, said the decision highlighted the risk employers faced for failing to pay employees correctly.

“The penalties in this case reflect the serious nature of the underpayments to two vulnerable workers,” Ms Field said.

“Employers who underpay staff risk both hefty penalties and reputational damage to their business.”

Ms Field added that employers should be aware that penalties for underpayments under state employment laws were about to increase significantly following the recent enactment of the Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Act 2021.

The increased penalties are expected to come into effect in the coming months.

Information on state employment laws is available at www.dmirs.wa.gov.au/wageline or by calling Wageline on 1300 655 266.

Employers can stay up to date with changes to employment laws by subscribing to Wageline News.

Media Contact: Caroline De Vaney, 6251 2363 or 0408 927563 (media enquiries only) caroline.devaney@dmirs.wa.gov.au