Lovisa faces lawsuit with 300 members in class action

Lovisa is currently facing a class action lawsuit brought by over 300 Australian women who have worked for the jewelry company between 2018 and 2024. The lawsuit, filed by Adero Law, seeks damages for wage underpayments, along with interest and penalties. Lovisa has stated that it will defend itself against the class action proceedings and emphasizes that it takes its obligations under the Fair Work Act and its own Enterprise Agreements seriously.

According to Adero Law, the claim alleges multiple violations of Lovisa’s Enterprise Agreements and the Fair Work Act 2009, affecting around 1000 current and former employees over a decade. Lovisa, an international jewelry brand with over 178 stores in Australia, predominantly employs young women in part-time roles, often guaranteeing minimal hours per fortnight.

Key claims made by the members in the lawsuit include allegations that employees were required to arrive 15-20 minutes early before the start of their shifts without being paid for this time. Staff were also allegedly not compensated for staying back after their shifts to clean up or balance the till. Additionally, employees claim they were unpaid for undertaking training in their own time, which often lasted over an hour and were compensated with Lovisa gift cards instead.

Other allegations in the statement of claim include failing to provide meal and rest breaks, not paying for travel, clothing, and other allowances, requiring staff to purchase products out of their own pocket, and discouraging sick leave. The lawsuit further claims that employees were often required to work alone, had insufficient training for certain tasks like piercings, and were not paid for all their hours worked.

Adero Law’s managing principal, Rory Markham, criticized Lovisa for exploiting its young workforce and falling short of the expected standards for a company that values team culture, respect, and dignity. The lawsuit raises serious concerns about Lovisa’s employment practices and the treatment of its employees.

Despite Lovisa’s statement that it is committed to complying with employment laws, the class action lawsuit highlights significant issues within the company regarding wage underpayments and unfair working conditions. The legal proceedings will shed light on the alleged misconduct and seek justice for the affected employees. Lovisa’s reputation and standing in the industry may be impacted by the outcome of the lawsuit, as it faces scrutiny for its treatment of its workforce.

As the lawsuit progresses, it will be essential for Lovisa to address the allegations and take appropriate action to rectify any wrongdoing. The outcome of the class action lawsuit will not only affect the company’s financial liabilities but also its reputation and relationship with its employees. Lovisa’s response to the allegations will be closely monitored by the public and stakeholders as it navigates through the legal proceedings.