In the case, Su v. Tacos El Cunado Alpine, LLC et al, the U.S. Department of Labor initiated a lawsuit against a West Michigan restaurant, Tacos el Cuñado Alpine, based on violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act after the court found that the employer failed to pay the minimum wage of $7.25 to one server and denied overtime wages to both tipped and non-tipped workers.
A federal judge ruled that the restaurant and its owner, Jessica Lopez, must pay over $62,000 in back wages and damages ($31,206 in back wages and an equal amount in liquidated damages) to 20 current and former workers with immediate restitution to the affected employees.
The court’s decision specifically applied to the specific Tacos el Cuñado restaurant situated at 2751 Alpine Ave. NW in Walker.
Key lessons from this case:
- The Department of Labor actively investigates claims of wage and hour violations and takes legal action against non-compliant employers.
- Employers found guilty of wage and hour violations may be ordered to pay back wages and damages to affected employees immediately.
- It is important for employees in all kinds of industries to be aware of their rights to overtime pay and to report any violations to the appropriate authorities.
If you want to know more about overtime regulations, read our guide on Michigan Overtime Laws.
