More Than $57,000 Recovered to Eight Workers
For Immediate Release
Contact Information
Cynthia Santana
Phone: 206-256-5219
Email: cynthia.santana@seattle.gov
Two Seattle 7-Eleven Stores Settle with Office of Labor Standards
More Than $57,000 Recovered to Eight Workers
Seattle, WA (July 25, 2022) – The Seattle Office of Labor Standard (OLS) settled an investigation with joint employers Vishal Enterprises Inc. dba 7-Eleven #14373C, Ravinder Enterprises Inc. dba 7-Eleven #35532B, and owner Vishal Sehijpal for alleged violations of the Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) and Wage Theft Ordinances at two Seattle stores on 819 Virginia Street and 8250 Lake City Way NE.
Allegations included:
- failure to pay regular and overtime compensation,
- interrupted meal breaks,
- no rest breaks, and
- failure to provide any PSST to employees.
The employers agreed to pay a total financial remedy of $57,209.98 to eight workers. Additionally, the employers agreed to undergo management training by OLS, implement a functioning system for tracking employee hours worked, and implement lawful PSST, rest break, and meal break policies for their employees.
“I never thought I would get this justice! I always felt like I was abused and taken advantage of because I do not speak English and was tricked emotionally to think I am part of the business,” said an employee. “For someone who makes minimum wage, getting back my lost wages means a lot. I am able to save for my future to start something small of my own. This would have not been possible without the Office of Labor Standards, and I will always be grateful.”
“Violations of the PSST and Wage Theft ordinances continue to be the most prevalent in the workplace with a large impact on the BIPOC and immigrant communities in Seattle. The wages lost trickle down from the employee to family members and the community, negatively impacting their ability to maintain a sustainable livelihood. All Seattle businesses need to know about these worker protections and pay their employees what they are owed under the law,” said Steven Marchese, OLS Director.
To learn more about Seattle’s labor standards please click here or contact the Office of Labor Standards at http://www.seattle.gov/laborstandards or call 206-256-5297.
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