Chinese chef awarded €154,828 after WRC found employment rights breaches

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Xiaofeng Gao worked at a Co Cavan takeaway from August 2022, initially employed by Ming Gao and later by Eskimo Gao Ming Ltd. He told the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) he worked six or seven days a week, sometimes up to 73 hours, and had to repay much of his wages against a debt linked to recruitment and his work permit.

WRC adjudication officer Shay Henry awarded Gao €154,828 for breaches including underpayment of wages, discrimination and violations of minimum-wage rules. The award included €43,582.48 for underpaid wages, €60,000 for discrimination and €21,922.52 for minimum-wage breaches, as well as payments relating to breaks, holidays and Sunday or public-holiday premiums.

Henry said the complainant’s evidence was persuasive and described the discrimination as very serious. The available reports do not give the full written decision or indicate whether the award has been appealed or paid.