Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor has led to a court order requiring six restaurants and their owners to pay a total of $858,191 in back wages and liquidated damages to 105 employees who suffered employment law violations.
The DOL accused six restaurants of withholding tips, wages and overtime from employees: 55 Wine Bar in Fairfield; Cava Wine Bar and Restaurant in New Canaan; Harvest Wine Bar & Restaurant in New Haven and Westport; Scena Wine Bar and Restaurant in Darien; and Sundown Saloon in Greenwich.
Last November, the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut granted summary judgment in favor of the DOL, concluding that the employers violated the Fair Labor Standards Act’s overtime and recordkeeping provisions.
As a result, the DOL and the employers entered into a consent judgment in February. The judgment forbids the employers from violating the FLSA and requires them to pay $858,191 in back wages, withheld tips and liquidated damages to the employees.
“These employers’ pay practices deprived workers of the full, hard-earned wages and tips on which they depend to help them support themselves and their families,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Donald Epifano in Hartford. “While these types of violations are common in the restaurant industry unfortunately, they can be prevented with knowledge and compliance with the law.”
Employers with questions and concerns about their responsibilities under federal wage laws may contact the DOL’s helpline at 866-4US-WAGE. Employers and workers can call the division confidentially.
The Fair Labor Standards Act sets minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping and youth employment standards affecting employees in the private sector and in federal, state and local governments.
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. Overtime pay at a rate of at least one-and one-half times the regular rate of pay is required for hours over 40 in a workweek.
There are also specific FLSA rules for the restaurant industry and tipped employees.
The Hartford Business Journal 2025 Charity Event Guide is the annual resource publication highlighting the top charity events in 2025.
Learn moreHartford Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the area’s business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at HBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
SubscribeDelivering vital marketplace content and context to senior decision-makers throughout Connecticut ...
All Year Long!
The Hartford Business Journal 2025 Charity Event Guide is the annual resource publication highlighting the top charity events in 2025.
Hartford Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the area’s business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at HBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
Delivering vital marketplace content and context to senior decision-makers throughout Connecticut ...
All Year Long!
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
0 Comments