LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) – Popular upscale Lexington restaurant, Tony’s Steaks & Seafood, is reportedly facing two class-action lawsuits regarding wage and tip theft.
According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, former bartender John Harley filed the lawsuit on March 3 in the Fayette Circuit Court. Harley was a bartender at the restaurant from January 2016 to March 2017.
The lawsuit alleges that the restaurant forced employees to pool their tip money and distribute portions of it to salaried employees including management members and the maitre d’.
The claim relies on the accusation that the tip pool is in violation of the Kentucky Wages and Hours Act. The act allows restaurants to pay hourly employees less than minimum wage because their tips will make up the rest.
The lawsuit has been filed on behalf of John Harley as a class action so other former and current Tony’s employees can join and share their thoughts and experiences.
Harley is asking for all unpaid wages, plus damages, to be distributed to employees affected.
Tony’s has not filed a response to the lawsuit at this time.