7-Eleven Australia has announced it has approved 227 claims under its new internal wage repayment program launch two a half months ago.
The processed claims add to the existing 421 approved under the previous Fels Wage Fairness Panel. According to the convenience chain, more than $24 million in wage repayments have been approved to date.
In a statement 7-Eleven said the majority of claims yet to be assessed are waiting on claimants to provide basic threshold information – specifically, certified proof of identity and a breakdown of the claimed hours and days for time worked at a 7-Eleven store.
7-Eleven announced in May its plans to close the Fels Wage Fairness Panel, headed by Professor Allan Fels, which was established after a Four Corner’s investigation uncovered systemic wage fraud throughout the convenience chain, and launch its own internal unit.
7-Eleven CEO Angus McKay, who was appointed to the head role earlier this year, said at the time of the Fel Wages Fairness Panel closure, the company was focused on processing legitimate claims “as quickly as possible”.
Earlier this month the convenience chain appointed three new non-executive directors to its board.
The new appointees are Sandra Birkensleigh as non-executive director and chair of the audit and risk committee; Elizabeth Gaines as non-executive director and chair of the retail operations committee; and Dharmendra Chandran as non-executive director, chair of the people committee.
Any former or current franchisee staff who believe they have not been paid their full can submit their claim to the secretariat on 1800 619 802 or www.wagerepaymentprogram.com.au.
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