BALTIMORE — Former workers for a popular Baltimore, Maryland-seafood restaurant recently filed unpaid overtime lawsuits against the eatery, alleging the defendant stiffed kitchen workers and servers out of overtime and other wages. Moreover, the business also recently announced its closing after nearly 12 years in business, filing for bankruptcy even as it continued to take in revenue from selling gift cards throughout the holiday season.
While the two overtime pay lawsuits are still in the very early stages of litigation, the potential payout could be substantial if enough former workers come forward to join the suit, should the claims be certified as class actions. The suits both name the restaurant, Canton Dockside, and its owner as defendants over violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
The most recent of the suits against Canton Dockside, filed in U.S. District Court of Maryland in November 2016, claims the restaurant failed to pay tipped employees overtime pay when they worked more than 40 hours per week. Many restaurants attempt to skirt overtime payments for tipped workers, claiming the employees’ tips cover all their wages.
However, all tipped employees must be paid at least $2.13 per hour, and in some states more, and then overtime pay when employees stay on the job more than 40 hours per week. Furthermore, servers and other tipped restaurant workers must make at least the federal minimum wage when hourly pay and tips are added together, otherwise the employer must make up the difference out of his or her own pocket.
Filing their own unpaid overtime lawsuit, kitchen workers for Canton Dockside claim the defendant failed to pay the state minimum wage of $10.88 and were also not paid minimum wage when they worked more than 40 hours per week. Their lawsuit was filed in March of 2016 and is still working its way through the courts as the defendant has yet to respond to the latest accusations by the wait staff.
Restaurant Worker Unpaid Overtime Lawsuits
Call (855) 754-2795 or complete the Free Unpaid Overtime Case Review form on the top right of this page if you feel that your wage rights are being violated under the FLSA. Our top-rated team of unpaid wage lawyers will evaluate your situation to determine your best course of action to help you seek justice.
Our office will also determine if it is in your best interest to file a lawsuit against your employer. Because strict time limitations apply for filing these types of claims, we advise you contact our experienced unpaid overtime wage attorneys at your earliest convenience and preserve your legal rights.