Restaurant & Casino Workers in Puerto Rico

Does your employer owe you for unpaid tips or wages?

It’s all too easy for employers to take advantage of their employees, especially in restaurant and casino settings where wages often rely on fluctuating tips and tip pooling systems. Because of these types of wage structures employees aren’t always aware that they aren’t receiving compensation they’re owed.

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) aims to protect employees from workplace violations, but these regulations aren’t always enough to keep employers accountable. If you think you may be a victim of tip pooling or wage violations in a restaurant or casino job in Puerto Rico, make sure you know your rights.

Our employment law attorneys at Shellist Lazarz Slobin LLP have ample experience fighting for restaurant and casino workers’ rights. We are currently investigating cases in Puerto Rico, and if you believe you've been the victim of tip pooling or wage violations, call (713) 352-3433 to see if you have grounds to pursue legal action. We want to hear from you!

You Have Rights Under the FLSA

According to the FLSA, employers may legally gather the tips of tipped employees to distribute via a tipping pool. Additionally, the law permits employers to pay employees less than minimum wage, so long as the employees are tipped enough to meet minimum wage. The FLSA has several rules in place to protect the rights of employees who rely on tips to earn a fair living.

Tipped employees are not to share their earnings with non-tipped workers. Any worker who receives minimum wage, does not rely on tips, and has no interaction with the customers should not be involved in the tipping pool. Managers, supervisors, and other similar roles are also exempt from the tipping pool. If your tips are distributed to any of these positions, you could be the victim of a tipping pool violation.

Do you have a case? We can help!

Tipping violations can be extremely serious and could cost you a significant share of your regular earnings. You work hard for your money, and you have every right to pursue justice against an employer who seeks to unfairly prevent you from getting the wages and tips you deserve. If your tips have been withheld or unfairly distributed, our firm can help investigate the issue, determine your employer’s liability, and take legal action on your behalf.

Contact our firm today at (713) 352-3433 to schedule a case evaluation with our employment law attorneys.