Reports of sexual violence at Swillhouse Venue The Caterpillar Club

In August the Sydney Morning Herald published allegations of sexual misconduct at Swillhouse, the Sydney-based hospitality group. The claims range from inappropriate to criminal, alleging that the group creates a dangerous working environment – ​​especially for its female staff. This week the masthead added to the allegations, with a three ex-employees are informed to reporters Eryk Bagshaw and Bianca Hrovat with claims that they were abused while working at The Caterpillar Club and Hubert.

Ex-Caterpillar Club supervisor Reuby Kahl, and ex-Hubert employees Claire Jones and Brittany Rowe allege they were sexually abused by colleagues – at work or at home – and claim Swillhouse management failed to adequately respond to their claims to respond. The trio joins bartenders Jenna Hemsworth and Rachelle Hair in accusations against the group (Le Voet, Caterpillar Club, Shady Pines Salon, Hubert, Alberto’s Lounge And The Baxter Innplus the now closed Frankie’s Pizza).

In August, the group stated that “harassment and discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated in Swillhouse. The topics covered in recent media cover a wide range of issues over a period of years dating back to 2008. We have no illusions about this sixteen year period; Swillhouse wasn’t always a perfect place to work. But that is not the company we are today and certainly not the company we want to be.”

But the latest reporting claims there is a culture of misconduct at the hospitality group. Two former Swillhouse managers allege that colleagues were instructed to find reasons to fire Jones after she reported that she had been sexually assaulted while employed by Hubert. Another Swillhouse manager denies these allegations. “This is happening now,” Jones told the newspaper SMH. “I will not accept their lies or their empty excuses. I will not be silenced.”

Rowe claims that a colleague of Hubert ‘brutally attacked’ her at home in 2021. She reported the incident to management and asked to be scheduled on different shifts than her colleague. But she had to work with him. “They let him continue working there, and they offered me no resources, no support, nothing,” Rowe said.

Kahl reports being “intentionally, vigorously and disgustingly” groped between his legs by a co-worker while clearing glasses at The Caterpillar Club in May. He reported it, the matter was escalated and the alleged perpetrator was fired. Within the same month, when the leadership team arrived at the Club for drinks, Kahl says CEO and co-founder Anton Forte told him to improve his attitude at work, suggesting he take time off if necessary.

Forte has since stepped down as CEOand remained with his company as director. He remembers the interaction with Kahl differently, but a Swillhouse spokesperson acknowledged that the situation could have been handled better.

Flyer has reached out to Swillhouse for comment but has not heard back at time of publication.

In September, CEO Anton Forte responded to the Herald‘s reporting with an Instagram video and an email titled “A Better Swillhouse.” He apologized to the team and the “broader community,” expressed his “deep regret” and communicated the steps the group is taking to improve the condition of its sites.

The email goes on to outline the “important steps” taken towards a better company – including a number of new hires. Justine Baker, former CEO of Solotel, has joined the team as a strategic advisor. Lorraine Farah works as a ‘culture and transformation’ advisor for Swillhouse, while Gareth O’Keefe is now the group’s workplace health and safety advisor.

In June, prior to the HeraldIn the company’s first revelation, staff were told in a company-wide email not to speak to the media, following anonymous allegations on Instagram. “In the event that you are ever contacted by the media, it is our strict policy not to comment,” a manager emailed The Caterpillar Club staff.

The SMH‘S previous reports included allegations of “recordings of people having sex in (Frankie’s) without their consent” which were distributed to the Swillhouse team, bartenders allegedly used coded language to indicate when a large breasted woman entered The Baxter Inn, managers who showing violent porn to female bartenders, and drug use on the clock.

Safe Work NSW is currently investigating Swillhouse and the wider hospitality sector for alleged misconduct.

Have you been a victim of sexual harassment in a catering workplace or have you witnessed an incident, read activist Jamie Bucirde’s advice on navigating the situation.

If you would like to speak to someone about an experience you have had, or would like more information, call 1800Respect on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.au.

You can also warn Flyer to misconduct of any kind in the hospitality industry via [email protected]. We can’t take action based on specific tips, but your valuable information could shape future reporting.