Retail Zoo signs Fair Work Deed

 

Boost juiceThe Retail Zoo Group is the latest major franchisor to sign up to a Proactive Compliance Deed (PCD) with the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Retail Zoo is the holding company of Boost Juice, Salsas Fresh Mex, Cibo Espresso, and Hatch Chicken Shop, primarily focused on preparation and sale of retail food in the quick service restaurant industry.

It oversees almost 300 company-owned and franchise stores throughout Australia which employ more than 5000 workers.

Retail Zoo approached the Fair Work Ombudsman this year with a view to demonstrating its commitment to comply with workplace laws as part of its goal to become an employer of choice.

Under the terms of the PCD, it must develop systems and processes to ensure ongoing compliance with Commonwealth workplace legislation.

It will also undertake self auditing of its employment records to ensure employees are receiving their full entitlements.

Self audits will look at wages, loadings, allowances, and penalties and include a mix of full time, part time, and casual employees where possible.

Franchisees will be actively encouraged to undertake their own self-assessments as well, and the Fair Work Ombudsman will be notified of any outlets which decline.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has received a small number of complaints relating to Retail Zoo brand stores over the past few years, but all were resolved without the need for enforcement action.

Under the terms of the Deed, the Fair Work Ombudsman has agreed to refer any new complaints it receives to Retail Zoo to allow the company to liaise with franchisees and resolve them at the workplace level.

It has, however, reserved the right to investigate matters considered to be serious or in the public interest.

Fair Work Ombudsman, Natalie James, acknowledged Retail Zoo’s positive and cooperative approach, saying it showed corporate responsibility to a large number of employees.

“Proactive Compliance Deeds facilitate better communication between employers and employees, as well as strengthening the cooperation and working arrangements between employers and ourselves,” she said.

“The Deeds are a valuable way for us to engage with employers who want to do the right thing and we commend Retail Zoo for taking the extra step of joining up.”

 

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