Hungry Jack’s manager arrested

NSW Police arrest a former manager of Hungry Jack’s in Sydney over allegations that he demanded up to $3,500 from people applying for a job at the fast food chain in Parklea.

It was estimated that the former Hungry Jack’s manager collected more than $20,000 from 15 Indian international students applying for jobs as cleaners or restaurant workers.
Police said that the 47-year-old Filipino national was responsible for hiring staff at the outlet in Parklea, NSW from May 2008 to February 2010.

He led them to believe that paying for employment was the usual process to gain work in Australia.

As international students, the victims may not have been familiar with industrial relations practices in this country. The victims, not knowing any better, did as they were told. The alleged scam was discovered after the owner of the restaurant alerted police.

The students, mostly in their 20s, allegedly paid between $500 and $3,500 to gain part-time work but some received only little work and soon left their jobs.

It was also alleged that the staff who paid the man to gain employment recommended him to other students who were also seeking employment. Police believe there might be more victims and urged them to come forward.

Hungry Jack’s management said that it would “continue to employ international students in line with their visa conditions and that it greatly valued their contributions to the industry.”

The man was arrested at a home in Woodcroft in Sydney’s west, and charged with 14 counts of receiving corrupt rewards. He was released on bail and is to appear in Blacktown Local Court this August. – (AAP) ?

Updated: 2010-08-12 — 04:52:28