Grill'd Might Raise Wages, Thanks To Student Activist

They marched day and night, by the big burger tower. Grill’d had the buns, but Kahlani had the power.

Grill’d has responded to criticisms it was undercutting young employees by agreeing to look into its pay rates.

Founder Simon Crowe announced that Grill’d will review its pay agreements, which were revealed to be lower than minimum wage by sacked worker Kahlani Pyrah earlier this week.

The 20-year-old Melbourne student launched legal action against Grill'd after she was allegedly fired from the Camberwell branch for questioning her $17.52 an hour pay rate. (That figure is approximately one dollar below the national award.)

“Our intent is to make sure we very clearly do what’s right and enter into modernising our award,” Crowe told 3AW radio.

"There will be a review of all terms and conditions.

"I suspect there will be increases in pay... I don't think that's something to be hidden or shied away from."

A spokesperson for United Voice, Kahlani’s union, called Grill’d's back(patty)flip “a real win.”

“Modernising Grill’d’s workplace arrangements is quite straightforward," they continued.

"Their staff should receive the weekend and evening rates they are entitled to under the Award. And Grill’d need to ensure that traineeships are genuine, not just a tool to pay their staff even less.”

United Voice also thanked the 22,000 Australians who signed a petition to have Kahlani reinstated. Though Grill’d is yet to do so, you can encourage them to hire her back here.

Watch Kahlani's initial plea to Grill'd below.