The board of directors of Super Retail Group is preparing for an imminent lawsuit against the company by two unnamed employees who are believed to try to jointly claim between $30 million and $50 million in damages.
Super Retail Group is the parent company of sports and clothing brands Rebel Sport and Macpac, outdoor brand BCF and car detailing retailer Supercheap Auto.
In an unusual move, Super Retail Group revealed the long-awaited legal case before court papers were filed.
According to Super Retail Group, the two employees’ complaints will include non-disclosure of an alleged intimate relationship between Group MD and CEO Anthony Heraghty and a fellow executive (who is not one of the plaintiffs).
The allegations include non-disclosure of an intimate relationship between Super Retail Group managing director and chief executive Anthony Heraghty (pictured) and a fellow executive.
Super Retail Group is the parent company of sports and clothing brands Rebel Sport (pictured) and Macpac.
“The board of directors of Super Retail today announces that the group expects two employees, represented by Harmers Workplace Lawyers, to commence legal proceedings shortly,” the retailer announced in an ASX statement on Friday.
Other allegations in the case will include bullying and victimization, unreasonable workloads, insufficient resources, adverse treatment, unsatisfactory management of company records and restricted access to information.
In a statement, Super Retail Group said there had been an internal review of the claims and it denies them.
“Super Retail Group will defend any legal proceedings in relation to the allegations,” the company said.
Super Retail Group also owns auto parts and accessories retailer Supercheap Auto.
BCF’s parent company revealed the expected court process before court documents were filed.
‘The board has carried out a review and investigations into these allegations.
‘The board of directors had the support of independent external advisors. The board’s review and investigations concluded that none of the allegations are substantiated.
In 2023, the Fair Work Ombudsman took action against Super Retail Group and its four subsidiaries for allegedly underpaying staff by $60 million.
Super Retail shares fell 5.28 percent to $14.10 on Friday afternoon.
So far this year, shares have fallen more than 10 percent.