Scott v. Cayuga County Civil Service Commission

**Restaurant Workers Win Wage Theft Case Against Employer** A group of workers sued Kung Fu Little Steamed Buns Ramen, Inc. for not paying them properly for their work. The employees claimed the restaurant violated federal and New York state wage laws by failing to pay minimum wage, overtime, or other required compensation. After a four-day jury trial, the court ruled in favor of the workers. The judge found that the restaurant had indeed violated both the Fair Labor Standards Act (federal law) and New York Labor Law regarding wages and working hours. The court awarded the workers $85,423.43 to cover their attorney's fees and court costs, in addition to any unpaid wages. This ruling is important for workers because it shows that employees can successfully fight back when employers don't pay them what they're legally owed. Restaurant workers, in particular, often face wage violations, and this case demonstrates that courts will hold employers accountable. The significant attorney's fee award also means workers may be able to find lawyers willing to take these cases, even if the workers can't afford legal fees upfront. When employers violate wage laws, they may have to pay not just the stolen wages, but also the workers' legal costs.