Cash America West, Inc. and First Cash, Inc. Settle for Alleged Violations of Minimum Wage, Paid Sick and Safe Time, and Wage Theft Ordinances
For Immediate Release
Contact Information
Cynthia Santana
Phone: 206-256-5219
Email: cynthia.santana@seattle.gov
Office of Labor Standards Returns Nearly $380,000 Dollars to 253 Seattle Workers
Cash America West, Inc. and First Cash, Inc. Settle for Alleged Violations of Minimum Wage, Paid Sick and Safe Time, and Wage Theft Ordinances
Seattle, WA (September 6, 2022) – The Office of Labor Standards (OLS) investigated Cash America West, Inc. and First Cash, Inc. (Cash America Pawn) for alleged violations of the Minimum Wage, Paid Sick and Safe Time, and Wage Theft Ordinances. The companies settled the allegations and agreed to pay a total financial remedy of $379,125.73 to 253 employees and $4,747.96 to the City of Seattle.
The international pawnbroker company has more than 17,000 employees worldwide and operates three Seattle locations. OLS alleged the employer failed to pay Seattle’s minimum wage rate, provide employees with a written PSST policy, provide required rest and meal breaks, and provide required written notices of employment information.
“Cash America was not being fair to their associates as far as sick pay and wages. I am glad that me stepping forward was able to hold them accountable and that the other associates will get the wages they earned. Moving forward my hope is that the associates will feel safe to step forward if this continues or happens again,” said David Alvarez, a former Cash America employee.
“When working for a big, well-known company you expect that they would treat their employees with the proper respect and dignity owed to them as a person and as a worker,” said another former Cash America employee. “I am ecstatic that the Seattle Office of Labor Standards was able to provide me comfort with their investigation process for myself and over 250 employees as well.”
“Cash America takes pride in and stands by our employees. We fully cooperated with OLS to ensure that our employees continue to be well compensated and have full access to all possible benefits. We have always strived to comply with the statutes in good faith,” said Cash America.
The companies also agreed to provide employees with notices of employment information, develop and implement a written PSST policy, and implement meal and rest break policies.
“This settlement shows that violations of Seattle’s labor laws can happen regardless of the size of the business. The most prevalent violations among Seattle businesses are of the Minimum Wage, Paid Sick and Safe Time, and Wage Theft Ordinances. Employers must make workers and their rights a priority. A business’s success depends on treating its workers fairly, including compliance with all existing labor laws,” said OLS Director Steven Marchese.
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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