The Workplace Relations Commission found that Ming Feng Limited discriminated against and harassed Jinxiu Zheng on race grounds, awarding €15,000 for discrimination and €10,000 for harassment. The decision was dated 18 December 2023.
Zheng worked as a chef for the company. He said he was paid less than his contract rate, worked long hours and was treated differently after raising concerns about pay and tax. The company denied discrimination in a written submission but did not attend the hearing.
The adjudicator also ordered €1,525 in minimum-wage arrears, €250 for unpaid wages, €1,000 for annual leave, €300 for rest breaks and €500 for excessive weekly hours. The complaints about Sunday premium, public holidays and minimum notice were not well founded; the recruitment-fee complaint was outside the WRC's jurisdiction. Two other complaints were withdrawn. The minimum-wage arrears were calculated after a €500 deduction for food and accommodation.