As a small or midsize business owner, it’s essential to be well-informed about employment laws and the consequences of non-compliance. Ignoring these regulations can lead to severe penalties and damage to your business’s reputation.
A recent case involving a Texas restaurant operator serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with failing to pay employees their rightful wages.
In this article, we will delve into the details of the investigation, the violations committed, and the lessons that small and midsize business owners can learn from this case.
The Lawsuit
The U.S. Department of Labor has taken legal action against the operator of 10 Texas-area restaurants, for failing to pay approximately $290,000 in back wages and damages owed to 30 employees. The investigation conducted by the department’s Wage and Hour Division revealed numerous violations of federal wage regulations.
Violations of Food Service Workers’ Wages
Investigators found that the restaurants and and manager, committed several violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
The violations included the following:
Invalid Tip Pool
The employer unlawfully took a portion of servers’ tips to pay non-tipped kitchen staff, thus creating an illegal tip pool. By doing so, the employer failed to meet minimum wage requirements.
Failure to Inform Servers
The employer neglected to inform servers that a tip credit was being applied to their wages. This omission prevented servers from understanding their actual earnings and rights.
Uniform Deductions
The employer deducted the cost of some servers’ uniforms from their pay, resulting in their hourly wage falling below the minimum wage.
Unpaid Pre-Shift Work
Servers were required to perform unpaid pre-shift work before the restaurant opened, and they were not allowed to clock in until their first customer arrived. This practice violated wage and hour laws.
The Department of Labor’s Action
Despite efforts to rectify the violations by changing business practices, the manager refused to pay the back wages owed to the affected employees. Consequently, the U.S. Department of Labor sought legal intervention to compel payment of the employees’ rightful earnings.
Implications for Small and Midsize Businesses
The case against the restaurants serves as a cautionary tale for small and midsize business owners. Here are some crucial lessons to learn from this incident:
Understand Wage Laws
Familiarize yourself with the wage laws applicable to your industry, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This will help ensure that you are aware of your obligations and can avoid unintentional violations.
Transparent Tip Policies
Establish clear and lawful tip policies, including proper distribution and communication to employees. Avoid improper deductions or tip pools that violate wage laws.
Accurate Recordkeeping
Maintain accurate records of employee wages, including tip credits and deductions. This will help you demonstrate compliance in case of an audit or investigation.
Timely Payment of Wages
Ensure that employees are paid their rightful wages promptly and in accordance with applicable laws. Deductions, if any, should be lawful and clearly communicated.
Conclusion
The case against the restaurants highlights the potential consequences of violating employment laws, especially in the area of wage and hour regulations.
As a business owner, it is crucial to prioritize compliance, transparency, and fair treatment of employees. By familiarizing yourself with relevant laws, establishing proper policies, and maintaining accurate records, you can protect your business from legal troubles and create a positive work environment that respects the rights of your employees.
Asure offers Time & Attendance software, and our HR experts help business owners comply with federal, state, and local employment laws. Connect with an HR expert today.