The fast-food chain Jimmy John’s has been sued by two former employees for “systematic wage theft,” according to The Huffington Post.
The lawsuit was filed Friday in federal court by Emily Brunner and Karolis Kubelskas. The pair claim that they were forced to work while off the clock due to low payroll budgets sent to individual stores. This led to overtime and minimum wage violations.
According to the lawsuit, Jimmy John’s “intentionally and repeatedly misrepresented the true time worked by their hourly employees” so it could keep its costs low and skirt overtime laws. The two plaintiffs argued that the pay practices were sent from “corporate set policies” and also applied to other employees.
The company has not issued a comment on the lawsuit.
The plaintiffs said that employees of the store are not provided enough time to finish all of the duties assigned to them at closing each night. This is when managers tell the employees to clock-out of work even if they have to continue working. They also said that this practice is worsened because managers’ bonuses are based on the fact if they hit the targets set forth by the company on labor costs.
They claim that the system “has the practical effect of creating widespread wage theft.”
Brunner filed a lawsuit back in July, but refiled in a joint complaint just last week. JS Fort Group, a franchisee, is named as a defendant with Jimmy John’s Enterprises.
I had the same issue in the Branson, MO area. Overtime pay AFTER 80 HRS not 40. Really!! Even after confronting the owner – I knew there was a scam involved. There is even a scam with the delivery drivers pay. Constantly hearing – keep labor low, keep labor low. There are only 4 people here how much lower can a store get. Your sandwiches may be fine but you and your policies will catch up to you.
If I was told to clock out, whether work was done or not, I’d walk out the door & let the manager do the work b/c that’s why they get the big bucks plus bonus!!!! Just let the manager try and fire me! Time to strike!!! Not just employees, but customers too. No call for this. Any wonder why the middle class of the ’60, ’70, & early ’80’s has disappeared. Too many young families plus seniors unable to make ends meet. Too many just ONE paycheck away from being homeless. It’s time we take care of Legal Americans & make sure no child is hungry until Monday morning when they go back to school & get their free breakfast then lunch, only to be hungry until the next morning.