An investigation by The Greek Herald has uncovered allegations from multiple former workers of unpaid superannuation and delayed wages at Sydney gyros business Big Fat Greek (Belmore), as the company and its director face ongoing legal action.
The claims emerge as the Fair Work Ombudsman pursues proceedings against Big Fat Greek (Belmore) Pty Ltd and its sole director, Peter Sinadinos, over the alleged underpayment of a “vulnerable” migrant worker.
The proceedings relate to an alleged failure to comply with a compliance notice requiring back-payment of wages and entitlements.
The regulator is seeking penalties of up to $46,950 against the company and $9,390 against Sinadinos personally, as well as orders for back payment, interest and superannuation. The matter remains before the court, with judgment reserved.
Workers describe pattern of delayed pay and missing super
Several former employees told The Greek Herald they experienced ongoing delays in receiving wages and, in some cases, believed superannuation contributions listed on payslips were not paid into their nominated funds.
“In the beginning we were always paid on time,” one former worker said.
“The super was very sophisticated, it didn’t prompt me to check. Then I heard stories from workers that, ‘we are not being paid super’. Once, twice, three times… then I went to check and there was no money in my super.”
Multiple sources alleged that, over time, wages were frequently delayed, with staff required to follow up payments directly.
“You would have to ask to be paid,” another former employee said.
One worker said employees were expected to perform their duties while waiting to receive outstanding wages. One worker claimed they are still owed up to $10,000 in wages and entitlements.
“He always owed you — you were never paid in full,” the source said.
Workers described a recurring cycle in which wages were owed, partially paid, and then owed again.
“There were times when I had no money in my account, no money for fuel to get to work,” one source said.
Some former workers said they believed that raising concerns or resigning could jeopardise their chances of recovering outstanding pay.
Staff also described sending messages, letters of demand, or threatening to leave in order to receive payment.
Multiple former employees described similar experiences across different roles, from kitchen staff through to management.
Business closure and administration complicate recovery
Big Fat Greek (Belmore), which operated from October 2021 until its closure in 2024, has since entered external administration.
One worker told The Greek Herald they attempted to pursue their claim through the Fair Work Ombudsman, but the matter could not proceed after the relevant employing entity was placed into administration.
Former workers said the closure heightened concerns they may not recover outstanding wages or superannuation.
The Belmore store operated alongside a separate Big Fat Greek outlet in Campbelltown, with staff reportedly working across both locations.
Legal context and expert view
Mia Pantechis, an employment Principal Lawyer from Maurice Blackburn, told The Greek Herald employers may delay payments as a “deliberate attempt” to avoid paying employee entitlements pursuant to awards, enterprise agreements, or employment contracts.
Employers may also underpay or delay payments to staff where there is a payroll compliance issue, Ms Pantechis said.
Generally, an employer will be in breach if it fails to pay wages in full, at least monthly according to the Fair Work Act 2009 — a nationwide law.
Ms Pantechis says laws have been strengthened to make intentional wage theft a criminal offence.
Regarding unpaid superannuation, she says it can have a “profound effect” on retirement income, and new laws from 1 July 2026 will deter superannuation theft.
“These changes have strengthened the superannuation system and provide more rights to employees who have been denied superannuation payments,” she said.
Court records show that in August 2025, Big Fat Greek (Belmore) Pty Ltd was found to have contravened workplace laws by failing to comply with a compliance notice, with the court declaring that Sinadinos was involved in the contravention.
Corporate records reveal multiple entities and legal actions
Corporate records reviewed by The Greek Herald show that multiple entities associated with the “Big Fat Greek” name have been registered, deregistered or subject to external administration over time.
These include:
- Big Fat Greek Pty Ltd, which was wound up following court action initiated by the Australian Taxation Office in 2024
- Big Fat Greek (Belmore) Pty Ltd, which is subject to Fair Work Ombudsman proceedings and strike-off action
- Big Fat Greek (Concord) Pty Ltd, which was deregistered in 2023
- Big Fat Greek Campbelltown Pty Ltd, which remains active under a different company name
Corporate records also indicate that Sinadinos declared bankruptcy in April 2025.
Separately, in 2024, Federal Court proceedings found that Sinadinos and his wife had engaged in insolvent trading in relation to a container freight company, resulting in orders exceeding $6.5 million.
No findings of illegal phoenix activity have been made in relation to any of the entities.
*The Greek Herald has contacted Peter Sinadinos for comment.
