When you work as a server, you should be receiving tips as well as base wages. Usually, the base wage in Kentucky is $2.13 per hour, but this may be increased beyond that. Servers are expected to receive tips. The tips are the entire reason why the restaurant or business doesn’t have to pay a full minimum wage.
Unfortunately, not all businesses treat their employees fairly. Some violate the law, like in the case of a hibachi restaurant in Bowling Green, KY. According to the news from Aug. 11, the U.S. Department of Labor has ordered the company to pay over $50,000 in back wages.
Not paying hourly wages? Expect heavy penalties
When a business does not pay hourly wages, the government doesn’t give employers credit based on the tips the employees received. That results in the business owing full minimum wage, $7.25 per hour, for every hour that an employee was on the job. Additionally, they will need to pay any overtime due.
Record-keeping violations, as well as flat payment rates that did not add up to minimum wage, resulted in workers at this restaurant being shorted their pay.
Wage and hour disputes are common in business, but outright failing to pay workers is less so. If you find that your company is not paying you a minimum wage, whether it’s the server’s minimum or the federal minimum for untipped positions, then you may have a claim against the company for violating your employment rights. You should look into making a claim, so that you can get the fair compensation that you deserve for your hard work.