Workers File Suit Against Dovetail Over Labor Violations

Dovetail is now facing a class action lawsuit from employees who claim that the restaurant violated labor laws. As many as 100 workers who rely on tips, from bussers to bartenders, claim that Dovetail's management has been pooling their tips and sharing them with salaried employees, including assistant managers. They also say they've been forced to work extra hours doing odd jobs like window cleaning that don't earn them the tips necessary to bring their $5 an hour salary up to minimum wage. John Fraser wouldn't comment on the suit, but a lawyer for the restaurant says they, "firmly believe that the restaurant has been in full compliance" with all labor laws, and they plan to fight the lawsuit "vigorously."

This is the second blow this month for the Michelin-star restaurant, since only just last week the news got out that it had earned a "C" grade from the Department of Health in a recent inspection. That grade is still pending, though, while the restaurant waits on a second appeal inspection.
· Michelin-star restaurant owned by superstar chef John Fraser is ripping off tip workers: suit [NYDN]
· All Coverage of Dovetail [~ENY~]
[Photo: Noah Kalina]