Some restaurant owners in Oregon violate wage and other employment laws that protect workers. I had a case involving a restaurant that required waitresses to be at the restaurant, but "off the clock," until it got busy. That's illegal. If the employer demands your time, then it must pay you. Two press releases from the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) reminded me of the problems facing some restaurant workers.
BOLI determined that Stanich's, a Portland landmark known for its burgers, violated wage laws. BOLI also criticized Stanich's for not being forthcoming during the investigation. BOLI also reported that two employees filed suit alleging the restaurant wrongfully terminated them in retaliation for asserting their rights under wage laws.
In another case, BOLI alleged that Typhoon Restaurant mistreated its workers from Thailand. The restaurant paid Thai workers less, provided them less vacation, and denied raises. When workers complained, the employer threatened to fire them worse.
Most recently, a teenager came to me who worked at a coffee shop. The owner asked if she was pregnant, and then fired her after she said, "yes." Duh! An employer may not fire a worker because she is pregnant.
My take on all of this is that some restaurant owners are dumb. Others know precisely what they are doing, but hope that their workers - often young - will not know better, or be too scared to complain. This post shows that both BOLI and private lawyers are here to help Oregon restaurant workers oppose illegal practices.
Jeff Merrick, Oregon Trial Attorney
Injury & Employment Law
503-665-4234
The above is not legal advice. I cannot give you sound advice without knowing more information. It is intended to raise some issues for you to discuss with your own lawyer.
