Merivale’s Justin Hemmes says he is ‘devastated’ by the allegations

from Merivale general manager Justin Hemmes just released a statement about allegations of sexual harassment, drug use and exploitation as reported in The Sydney Morning Herald, Good food And The era. Mr. Hemmes is not personally accused of participating in any of the alleged conduct.

The leading hospitality group has also withdrawn from the board of the Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association.

“I am devastated to read the allegations against Merivale about our workforce and culture,” Hemmes told more than 5,000 employees via email. the SMH. “Rest assured that we take this matter very seriously and do not condone, encourage or tolerate the alleged behavior.

“We will continue to work to address every allegation made in today’s article.”

Hemmes added that he remains proud of what Merivale has achieved in the hospitality sector.

“Most deeply in my thoughts, my concern is for all of you, and especially for the suffering caused by the vilification that has been cast on those who work and have worked in the past, at Merivale and within the hospitality industry in general,” he said. .

“I am deeply saddened that today’s article broadly denigrates everything we do.”

The CEO made sure staff knew there were “NO repercussions for speaking out,” saying it is “absolutely encouraged.”

“We live in a changing world, one that is for the better in many important ways.”

Merivale has now been hired Kate Oostman SC, one of Australia’s top discrimination and human rights lawyers, to lead their investigation into the SMHs accusations.

The hospitality group operates more than 70 locations across Victoria and NSW. Their chief people’s officer, Jessica Furolohas resigned from the board of the Australian Restaurant and Cafe Association this morning.

CEO of ARCA Wes Lambert also released a statement on Tuesday.

“ARCA does not tolerate unsafe workplaces, sexual harassment or discrimination in any way and has no place in the hospitality industry,” Lambert said.

Merivale’s accusations come a day after Swillhouse’s CEO Anton Forte stepped down from the company following allegations of a toxic work culture in August. (Forte withdrew from ARCA in August.)

Swillhouse’s allegations in August were the starting signal for (yet another) moment of reckoning for the hospitality sector, but Prabha NandagopalARCA’s adviser on workplace culture and sexual harassment said companies were slow to act.

“Hospitality is having its moment of reckoning, and the more studies like this shed light on what’s happening, I think it will encourage other people to speak out about their experiences too,” Nandagopal said.

“I think we’ve seen a big shift in community expectations. There are enormous legal, financial and reputational risks. This type of behavior must stop, even though it has been normalized in the hospitality industry for some time.”

Main image: Getty & Merivale