COLUMBUS, Ohio — The operator of 11 Roosters restaurants in Ohio, including one in Chillicothe, has agreed to a substantial settlement exceeding $500,000 to resolve a lawsuit alleging wage theft.
Nearly 1,800 former and current employees brought forth the lawsuit, asserting that they were underpaid due to being misclassified as tipped employees despite regularly performing non-tipped duties.
The lawsuit, filed in March 2023 against the Chillicothe-based “We Be Wings,” the franchisee overseeing the Roosters establishments, accused the company of unlawfully categorizing employees, leading to lower wages than legally mandated.
Employees contended that they undertook tasks beyond the scope of typical tipped positions.
Following months of legal proceedings, a breakthrough emerged in August 2023 through mediation, culminating in a settlement agreement reached in December.
“We Be Wings” has agreed to pay a total of $505,000 to settle all claims without admitting any wrongdoing. The finalization of the settlement awaits approval by the court, at which point the lawsuit will be formally dismissed.
The settlement extends relief to eligible employees, encompassing current and former servers and bartenders who worked at “We Be Wings” operated Roosters restaurants between 2020 and 2023. The exact allocation of the settlement funds among the affected employees will be determined by the court, ensuring fair compensation for the wage discrepancies endured.