For Immediate Release
May 10, 2018
Contact: Cynthia Santana, Communications Manager, 206-256-5219 cynthia.santana@seattle.gov
During the First Four Months of 2018, the Seattle Office of Labor Standards Resolved 33 Cases Involving Nearly One Million Dollars in Total Remedies
More than $427,000 in settlements already returned to Seattle workers
Seattle – (May 10, 2018) – Since January 2018 thru the end of April, the Seattle Office of Labor Standards (OLS) settled or otherwise resolved 33 cases against 31 employers who agreed to pay a total of $973,063 in total remedies to 1,325 workers and in fines to the City of Seattle. In all but one case (in which there was a formal finding), the employers agreed to make the required payments and to necessary policy and practice changes. Of this total amount, $427,482 already has been paid to 1,257 employees.
“These case resolutions demonstrate that most employers are willing to make the necessary corrections in policy and to make employees whole, when violations are called to their attention. When OLS investigates complaints, we rely on the good faith of businesses to cooperate with us and to take corrective action. We are pleased that most of the employers who participate in our enforcement investigations are willing to resolve matters, and to make the needed changes,” said recently appointed OLS Director Martin S. Garfinkel.
The 33 cases involve a wide range of employers and violations. One such case that involved Elephant and Castle Pub and Restaurant, settled on March 14, 2018. In that case, the company cooperated in fixing its violations of several laws, including the Paid Sick and Safe Time, Minimum Wage, and Secure Scheduling Ordinances. For example, Elephant and Castle was unaware of a 2016 change in the Minimum Wage law that requires companies with a large worldwide workforce to count all employers (not just those who are U.S.-based) when determining whether it qualifies as a “Schedule One” employer (and thus required to pay the higher minimum wage). The company agreed to pay 65 current and former Seattle employees a total of $122,753 in unpaid compensation, interest, and penalties, and to correct its policies.
In the vast majority of the cases, full payment of monies owed has already been made, with the rest to be paid over time. In one case, the matter has been turned over to the City Attorney’s Office for collection.
Most of the businesses that settle with OLS are currently required to participate in settlement trainings on Seattle’s labor laws provided by OLS Business Liaisons.
- Help for employers: For free and private compliance assistance with any Seattle labor standard, or to schedule a training, call 206-256-5297 or email business.laborstandards@seattle.gov.
- Help for workers and the public: To ask a question, file a complaint, or provide information, call 206-256-5297, email workers.laborstandards@seattle.gov, visit the OLS in downtown Seattle at 810 Third Ave. Suite 375, or click here to fill out a web form.
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