Work & The Law

Exotic Dancers In Massachusetts Recover Withheld Tips From Employer

A Massachusetts federal court has awarded exotic dancers tips that they were unlawfully required to share with company managers. Under Massachusetts law it is impermissible for managers to share in tip pools. United States District Court District of Massachusetts SUMMARY: (court decision – opens in PDF) “The Consolidated Plaintiffs, Leah Saad, Deanna Gallo, Brittany Duchaine and Sanchere Kelly (‘Plaintiffs’), have filed

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Mandatory Treble Damages in Wage Act Claims

A 2008 Amendment to the Massachusetts Wage Act simplified the award of treble damages in wage act violation cases. The amendment takes discretion away from the court and makes treble damages a mandatory award. “An employee so aggrieved who prevails in such an action shall be awarded treble damages, as liquidated damages, for any lost wages and other benefits and

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Are You Getting Paid All Of Your Tips?

You’re working hard, you’re earning tips, but are you getting paid all your tips? Under Massachusetts law, only three classes of employees are eligible to receive and share tips: 1) wait staff; 2) service employees; and 3) service bartenders. The following will help readers understand whether they fall under any of these three categories. Wait Staff: To be considered a

Read More »

Exotic Dancers In Massachusetts Recover Withheld Tips From Employer

A Massachusetts federal court has awarded exotic dancers tips that they were unlawfully required to share with company managers. Under Massachusetts law it is impermissible for managers to share in tip pools. United States District Court District of Massachusetts SUMMARY: (court decision – opens in PDF) “The Consolidated Plaintiffs, Leah Saad, Deanna Gallo, Brittany Duchaine and Sanchere Kelly (‘Plaintiffs’), have filed

Read More »

Mandatory Treble Damages in Wage Act Claims

A 2008 Amendment to the Massachusetts Wage Act simplified the award of treble damages in wage act violation cases. The amendment takes discretion away from the court and makes treble damages a mandatory award. “An employee so aggrieved who prevails in such an action shall be awarded treble damages, as liquidated damages, for any lost wages and other benefits and

Read More »

Are You Getting Paid All Of Your Tips?

You’re working hard, you’re earning tips, but are you getting paid all your tips? Under Massachusetts law, only three classes of employees are eligible to receive and share tips: 1) wait staff; 2) service employees; and 3) service bartenders. The following will help readers understand whether they fall under any of these three categories. Wait Staff: To be considered a

Read More »