The workplace regulator has launched legal action against the former operators of a Western Sydney café over alleged underpayments affecting two migrant workers and a failure to provide pay slips.
The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has filed proceedings against Karl Haidenbauer and Mezzaco Trading Pty Ltd, which together formerly owned and ran North Parramatta breakfast and brunch venue Six Ain’t Seven.
According to court documents filed by the regulator, a Fair Work Inspector issued a Compliance Notice to Mr Haidenbauer and Mezzaco Trading in September 2023 after forming a belief they had contravened the Restaurant Industry Award in relation to minimum wages paid to two casual café employees between August 2022 and April 2023. One worker was from Vietnam on a working holiday visa and the other, then aged 18, was an international student from Nepal.
The FWO alleges the respondents, without reasonable excuse, failed to comply with that Compliance Notice, which required them to calculate and back‑pay certain amounts. It is further alleged they breached the Fair Work Act by failing to issue one of the workers with pay slips during his employment.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said the regulator would continue to enforce workplace laws and take employers to court where lawful requests and pay slip laws were not complied with.
“Where employers do not comply with Compliance Notices, we will take appropriate action to protect employees. A court can order employers to pay penalties and make payments to workers,” Ms Booth said.
“Migrant workers have the same workplace rights in Australia as any other workers, regardless of their visa status. Employers should be aware that taking action to improve compliance in the fast food, restaurants and cafes sector and protecting young and migrant workers are priorities for the FWO.
“Pay slips provide employees with the clarity they need about their pay, and we expect every employer to follow laws requiring them to provide pay slips to their employees within one business day of them being paid.
“Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us for free advice and assistance.”
For the alleged failure to comply with the Compliance Notice, Mezzaco Trading faces a maximum penalty of up to $46,950 and Mr Haidenbauer up to $9,390. For the alleged pay slip breach, the company faces a penalty of up to $82,500 and Mr Haidenbauer up to $16,500.
The regulator is also seeking orders requiring Mr Haidenbauer and Mezzaco Trading to comply with the Compliance Notice, including rectifying any amounts owed in full, plus interest and superannuation.
A directions hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Sydney on 12 September 2025. The allegations have not yet been determined by the court.
