The operator of a Melbourne cafe that describes itself as the “world’s first happiness centre” has been fined for failing to back-pay a former casual worker.
The Fair Work Ombudsman secured the $5000 penalty in The Federal Circuit and Family Court against Serotonin Eatery Exercise Education Pty Ltd, the operator of Serotonin Eatery in Burnley.
The penalty was imposed because the company failed to comply with a Compliance Notice which required a casual employee to be back-paid for work undertaken in November and December 2024.
The cafe was investigated after the affected worker contacted the FWO for assistance.
An inspector issued a compliance notice to the company in August 2025 after forming a belief the company failed to pay the worker’s minimum wages and penalty rates for weekend work, which is owed under the Restaurant Industry Award 2020.
The company back-paid the worker after legal action was commenced by the FWO.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth says employers that fail to act on Compliance Notices need to be aware they could face court-imposed penalties on top of having to pay workers.
“When Compliance Notices are not followed, we will continue to take legal action,” says Booth.
“Employers should be aware that taking action to improve compliance in the fast food, restaurants and cafés sector is a priority for the Fair Work Ombudsman.”
Booth says any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact the FWO for free advice and assistance.
Photography by eviegyy / Pexels.
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