Wage Theft Should Have No Place at Curtin
The Curtin Student Guild is calling on Curtin University to remove Sinamon from campus after the WA Industrial Magistrates Court found the company guilty of underpaying a young university student and failing to keep required employment records.
Sinamon, which operates cafes in Victoria Park, Mt Lawley, Fremantle and on the Curtin University campus, has now been fined $135,000 since 2021 for repeatedly breaching WA employment laws. The latest $31,000 penalty followed findings that the owners failed to pay superannuation and demonstrated a “blatant disregard” for their legal obligations.
The Guild is also deeply concerned by unprofessional and inappropriate behaviour by Sinamon’s owners, including the public targeting of former employees on social media. Such conduct is unacceptable and reinforces the need for stronger protections for student workers who speak out against exploitation.
No business with a record of exploiting or intimidating workers should be allowed to profit from the university community. Students are among the most vulnerable workers in society and need to be protected. The Guild will continue working with unions to strengthen workplace rights education and to hold employers accountable.
Students are encouraged to join their union and, if they believe they are being underpaid, are encouraged to visit www.wagetheft.wa.gov.au or contact the Curtin Student Guild’s Student Assist service at studentassist@guild.curtin.edu.au.
Media Contact
Guild President| president@guild.curtin.edu.au