For Immediate Release
Contact: Cynthia Santana, Communications Manager
206-256-5219
cynthia.santana@seattle.gov
Seattle Concessions Inc. Settles Allegations of Multiple Labor Standards Violations
Seattle, WA (April 2, 2025) – The Seattle Office of Labor Standards (OLS) investigated Seattle Concessions Inc., a concessions provider at Climate Pledge Arena, for alleged violations of the Wage Theft, Secure Scheduling, and Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinances. The company settled the allegations and agreed to pay $353,280.76 in back wages, interest, liquidated damages, and civil penalties to 685 employees and $1,164.28 in fines to the City of Seattle.
OLS alleged the company failed to:
- Provide all required rest breaks to employees
- Pay employees for some employer-initiated schedule changes under the Secure Scheduling Ordinance
- Provide compliant written notice of PSST policy to employees
“Breaks are extremely beneficial for customers, the business, and the worker. It makes them better at customer service and better workers as well,” said Seattle Concessions Inc. worker Orion Penn. “It’s important for workers to stand up for their rights because so many don’t. So many are afraid and so many can’t afford to lose their jobs, but they definitely need to and know that they are supported and protected. The office (OLS) has been beneficial and extremely helpful to me and many other workers many times over my long career in the service industry.”
“Seattle’s labor standards like Wage Theft, Paid Sick and Safe Time, and Secure Scheduling are made to safeguard the interest of all workers including those in the service industry,” said OLS Director Steven Marchese. “Labor laws help facilitate better working conditions and ensure workers in Seattle can operate free of retaliation in the workplace, earn a livable wage, and allow workers to have greater stability in and out of the workplace.”
- 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 or click here to fill out a web form.
- Help for employers: For free and private compliance assistance with any Seattle labor standard, or to schedule a training, call 206-256-5297, email business.laborstandards@seattle.gov or click here to fill out a web form.
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