Staff from the La Porchetta Orange restaurant that closed suddenly on February 8, have contacted the chain's head office seeking help over unpaid entitlements.
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A spokeswoman for La Porchetta said while the franchisee was responsible for employee entitlements it would try to assist them.
The Central Western Daily has spoken to one former employee who said they were owed about two weeks' wages.
They said they received a text from the franchisee last Friday night stating the restaurant was closed and that the franchisee would do all they could to pay their wages and entitlements.
"I'm truly sorry. For what happens now I'm not sure. I will somehow find some wages for you," the worker quoted the text as saying.
La Porchetta Support Office has had contact from employees of La Porchetta Orange.
- La Porchetta spokeswoman
"It won't be right away but I will pay you somehow."
A spokesperson for La Porchetta Orange has informed the Central Western Daily the company is still considering its position in relation to whether to continue operating the business on the Peisley Street site, and has until February 27 to make that decision.
The La Porchetta head office spokeswoman would not say how many staff had contacted them seeking assistance.
"La Porchetta Support Office has had contact from employees of La Porchetta Orange and we are dealing with each enquiry as it comes in," she said.
"While in any franchise agreement the franchisee is the employer and responsible for employee entitlements, La Porchetta Support Office takes these types of concerns within its network seriously.
"With regard to the closure of La Porchetta Orange, La Porchetta Support Office is actively communicating with all the stakeholders involved to gain a full understanding of the situation and see what sort of support it is able to provide to everyone."
She said concerned staff members should call the support office in Melbourne on 03 9460 6700.
The franchisee was contacted for comment.
It closed after the landlord took possession of the site.
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