On Saturday, the Sydney Morning Herald reported that four former staff members of Swillhouse (the Sydney hospitality group) are pursuing damages from their ex-employer. Rachelle Hair, Jenna Hemsworth, Brittany Rowe and Reuby Kahl will be represented by Sheryn Omeri KC, a high-profile employment lawyer.
In August last year, the SMH published a report detailing allegations of sexual misconduct against the group behind six venues: Le Foote, Caterpillar Club, Shady Pines Saloon, Hubert, Alberto’s Lounge and The Baxter Inn, plus the now-closed Frankie’s Pizza. It claimed the group fostered a dangerous work environment: one rife with drug and alcohol misuse, sexual misconduct and a leadership team that failed to adequately address complaints.
A few weeks later, Swillhouse apologised, stating there was “deep regret” for anyone in the team or wider community that was “unsupported, unheard or who we’ve let down in any way”. The email linked to a video message from CEO and co-founder Anton Forte, apologising and outlining the “significant steps” the group would be taking towards a better business.
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“Taking down the apologies, the hushed removal of key staff members and the ‘rebranding’ of social media shows the exact intent of the company in this whole situation,” Hair told the Herald. “Swillhouse’s inability to take this seriously is a huge underestimation and has led us to the only path we can take for some kind of justice.”
Omeri will represent the group, who are seeking damages for alleged incidents that span sexual assault, pressure to take drugs while on shift, promotion of misogyny and being required to work with those they’d accused of assault. Omeri’s CV includes advising the victims of Harvey Weinstein and winning the UK case that saw Uber drivers recognised as workers.
The Herald reports that, according to Marque Lawyers managing partner Michael Bradley, Swillhouse has not engaged with the complainants in a meaningful way. A Swillhouse spokesperson rejects this claim.
Safe Work NSW is currently investigating Swillhouse and the wider hospitality industry for alleged misconduct.
If you’ve been the victim of sexual harassment in a hospitality workplace or witnessed an incident, read activist Jamie Bucirde’s advice on navigating the situation.
If you would like to speak with someone about an experience you have had, or would like more information, please call 1800Respect on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.au.
You can also alert Broadsheet to misbehaviour of any kind in the hospitality industry via report@broadsheet.com.au. We cannot act on specific tips, but your valuable information may inform future coverage.