In August, the Sydney Morning Herald published allegations of sexual misconduct at Swillhouse, the Sydney hospitality group. The claims range from inappropriate to criminal, alleging the group promotes a dangerous work environment – ​​particularly for its female staff. This week, the mast added to the charges, with a trio of former registered employees to reporters Eryk Bagshaw and Bianca Hrovat with claims they were abused while working at The Caterpillar Club and Hubert.

Former Caterpillar club supervisor Reuby Kahl and former Hubert staff Claire Jones and Brittany Rowe claim they were sexually assaulted by co-workers – either at work or at home – and claim Swillhouse management failed to adequately respond to their claims . The trio join bartenders Jenna Hemsworth and Rachelle Hair in the allegations against the group (Le Foote, Caterpillar Club, Shady Pines Saloon, Hubert, Alberto’s salon and The Baxter Innplus the now closed one Frankie’s Pizza).

In August, the group said that “harassment and discrimination of any kind is not tolerated at Swillhouse. The topics covered in recent media cover a wide range of issues over a period of years dating back to 2008. In this 16 year period, we are under no illusions; Swillhouse wasn’t always a perfect workplace. But that is not the business we are in today and certainly not the business we strive to be.”

But the latest reports claim a culture of misconduct is alive and well in the hospitality group. Two former Swillhouse managers claim co-workers were trained to find reasons to fire Jones after she reported being sexually assaulted while on shift at Hubert. Another manager at Swillhouse denies the allegations. “This is happening now,” Jones said SMH. “I will not accept their lies or their empty excuses. I will not be silenced.”

Rowe alleges that a Hubert co-worker “brutally assaulted” her at home in 2021. She reported the incident to management, asking to be signed up for different shifts from her co-worker. But she had to work alongside him. “They let him continue to be employed there and they didn’t give me any resources, no support, nothing,” says Rowe.

Kahl recounts being “purposefully, firmly and disgustingly beaten” between the legs by a co-worker while cleaning his glasses at The Caterpillar Club in May. He reported it, the matter was escalated, and the alleged perpetrator was fired. That same month, when the management 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 a break if he was need.

He has strength since he stepped down as CEOremaining with his company as managing director. He recalls the interaction with Kahl differently, but a Swillhouse spokesman admitted the situation could have been handled better.

Broadsheet reached out to Swillhouse for comment but did not hear back by the time of publication.

In September, CEO Anton Forte responded to Heraldreports with an Instagram video and email titled “A Better Swillhouse.” He apologized to the team and the “wider community”, stating his “deep regret” and communicating the steps the group is taking to improve the condition of its venues.

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

In June, before HeraldHis initial exposure, a company-wide email instructed staff not to speak to the media, following anonymous allegations on Instagram. “If you are ever approached by the media, it is our strict policy not to comment,” a manager emailed The Caterpillar Club staff.

The SMHhis previous reports contained allegations of “recordings of people having sex in (Frankie) without their consent” being circulated among the Swillhouse team, bartenders would use coded language to signal when a large-breasted woman entered The Baxter Inn, managers they showed bartenders violent porn and non-stop drug use.

Safe Work NSW is currently investigating Swillhouse and the hotel industry in general for alleged wrongdoing.

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

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

You can also alert Broadsheet to misconduct of any kind in the hospitality industry via [email protected]. We can’t act on specific advice, but your valuable information can inform future coverage.