Migrant chef claims exploitation with 70-hour weeks for low pay in Ireland tribunal

rte.ie February 5, 2025, 02:01 PM UTC

A migrant chef, Xiaofeng Gao, worked up to 73 hours a week at a Chinese takeaway for about €25 a day, far below the €16.76 per hour he was entitled to. He claims he was forced to take on a €60,000 debt as a "recruitment fee." Gao is seeking nearly €200,000 in back pay and compensation for alleged violations of his employment rights. His employer, Eskimo Gao Ming Ltd, did not attend the tribunal hearing. Gao's advocate argues he faced discrimination and unlawful deductions from his pay. The tribunal is considering Gao's claims, including unpaid wages and holiday pay. The adjudicator noted the employer's absence and indicated that the case is not yet concluded.


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