Seattle restaurant chain Skillet settles wage-theft allegations

Seattle restaurant chain Skillet has agreed to pay $323,741 in a settlement over alleged violations of the city's labor laws, the Seattle Office of Labor Standards announced last week.

Most of the money — $318,782 — will go to 181 employees of the restaurant group, which operates diners on Capitol Hill, Post Alley, the Seattle Center, Denny Triangle and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Skillet will also pay $4,958 to the city of Seattle.

According to the city's investigation, Skillet suggested to customers that an added service charge would be distributed to front-of-house staff, though no part went to such workers while large portions covered overhead costs or paid back-of-house staff. The restaurant also fired an employee who opposed the service charge policy, and failed to provide rest and meal breaks.

“Workers in the restaurant and service industry hold challenging roles, often depending on tips to meet their financial needs," OLS Director Steven Marchese said in a news release. "Employers must honor the rights of their workers and comply with Seattle’s labor standards."

https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2023/12/13/skillet-wage-theft-dispute.html