CHICAGO — A group of 10 former workers for Chicago-based coffee house Bow Truss recently filed a class action unpaid overtime lawsuit against the company claiming they are due back pay, including tips, and for health care deductions that never resulted in coverage. According to reports, the same group of workers also took part in a walk-off protest over allegations the defendant failed to pay wages in a timely manner, a move that coincidentally preceded the closing of 10 coffee houses.
In their complaint, the plaintiffs allege paychecks were frequently delayed and the checks frequently bounced due to the direct mismanagement of the company by its owner, also named in the overtime lawsuit. The claim does not name a specific dollar amount but many workers claim they are still missing income. Attorneys for the plaintiffs believe the total claim is worth at least $50,000.
The claim alleges the company and its owner violated the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Illinois Wage Payment and Collections Act, the Illinois Minimum Wage Law, and the Chicago Minimum Wage Ordinance. Violations under the various labor laws included failure to pay overtime, non-payment of wages and tips, and unlawful wage deductions.
Is it Better to Sue for Overtime Under State or Federal Wage Laws?
Often times, wage theft victims have the option to bring overtime lawsuits under either state or federal wage laws to recover their back pay and collect damages. While the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) gives nearly all workers basic protections, some states have more robust wage and labor laws to help protect workers rights.
Under the FLSA, the maximum amount of recoverable back pay is limited to three years, depending on the circumstances of the case. Some states have longer time limits, known as the statute of limitations, to give wage theft victims the opportunity to recover more of their hard earned pay and hold wrongdoers accountable for noncompliance with these types of laws.
Restaurant Worker Unpaid Overtime Lawsuit
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.