7-Eleven invites ombudsman to review ‘in-house repayments’

7-Eleven7-Eleven has launched a new wage repayment program, which the company says puts the interests of aggrieved franchisee staff ‘at its centre’

The in-house unit has been set up to process wage claims after the convenience giant earlier sacked an independent panel.

Dr David Cousins and Professor Allan Fels had processed hundreds of claims of underpayment since September before they were sacked earlier this month amid concerns 7-Eleven is trying to minimise payouts.

The franchise chain said it was confident that approved claims will be finalised quickly and appropriate payments made, supported by an independent secretariat managed by Deloitte, under strict protocols that ensure claimant confidentiality is maintained.

7-Eleven has invited the Fair Work Ombudsman to review the program and said it hopes to agree a compliance partnership with the regulator as soon as possible.

“7-Eleven took the wage repayment program process in-house in order to deliver a robust and efficient process that puts money in the hands of aggrieved franchisee staff as quickly as possible,” said  Angus McKay, 7-Eleven CEO.

“The Program meets our commitment to right past wrongs. It meets the standards we set for ourselves and those that the community expects of us.

“We are happy to be judged on our actions, and will publicly report our progress as we move forward” Mr McKay concluded.

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