Clearwater Cook Accuses Restaurant of Unpaid Wages

October 12, 2017

A cook has filed a class action lawsuit against her former employer, alleging violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and workers’ compensation laws.

The woman filed a complaint, individually and on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated, against the restaurant on Sept. 18 in Pinellas Circuit Court, alleging that the restaurant failed to pay employees for all hours worked.

According to the complaint, the woman, who worked as a line cook from March 15 until her termination on April 3, and other similarly situated employees have suffered the loss of earnings. The suit says they worked in excess of 40 hours per week but were not compensated at the statutory rate of one and a half their regular rate of pay as required by the FLSA.

The woman claims the restaurant denied employees the full and proper overtime compensation required by the FLSA and showed reckless disregard for its provisions.

The Fair Labor Standards Act has set forward strict standards for employers. Employees must make minimum wage for every hour they work, in compliance with overtime regulations and current minimum wage law. If your employer has not paid you in compliance with overtime or minimum wage laws, you are entitled to pursue an unpaid wage claim.

It is essential to point out that it is also illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for asking about a wage and hour dispute or for taking legal action. You have a right to pursue legal action if you were fired, demoted, given unfavorable shifts, or bad reviews simply because you inquired about not being paid correctly.

To discuss your overtime wage case with our Tampa Bay Unpaid Wage and overtime Lawyers at Whittel & Melton, please call 727-823-0000.