Ocean Basket is currently embroiled in a controversy involving alleged labor law violations as highlighted by a recent Department of Labour blitz that targeted their Menlyn Park location along with Babel Restaurant. The Department claims that Ocean Basket has failed to pay over R800,000 in wages, based on the national minimum wage of R27.58 per hour. The restaurant reportedly compensated employees primarily through tips and commissions without a basic salary, which the Department argues falls below the legal minimum wage standards.
In response, Ocean Basket has refuted these allegations. The CEO, Grace Harding, asserted that all their employees are paid according to South African labor laws, including the minimum wage. They contend that any commissions falling below the minimum wage are topped up accordingly. Harding also expressed concerns about the way the Department handled the dissemination of information, indicating no prior contact or discussion before releasing details to the media. Ocean Basket has requested a meeting with the Department to clarify the situation and review the data used by the authorities.
This dispute comes as part of a larger initiative by the Department of Labour to target compliance in the hospitality sector, citing ongoing issues within the industry. The campaign also included other restaurants and was spurred by broader efforts to ensure fair labor practices across various industries.
For further details, you can follow up on the original reporting from Briefly.co.za and other sources like News365.co.za.
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