Sanango v. Trattoria Tre Colori, Inc.

Restaurant Workers Settle Wage Theft Case

A group of restaurant workers filed a lawsuit against Trattoria Tre Colori, an Italian restaurant, claiming the business failed to pay them properly. The workers alleged that the restaurant didn't pay minimum wage as required by law and failed to compensate employees for overtime hours worked beyond 40 hours per week.

The case was resolved through a settlement agreement between the workers and the restaurant. The specific terms of the settlement were not disclosed publicly, and no damage amounts were reported in court records. This means both sides agreed to resolve the dispute without going to trial.

This case highlights important protections for restaurant workers, who are often vulnerable to wage violations. Workers have the right to receive at least minimum wage for all hours worked and overtime pay (typically time-and-a-half) for hours exceeding 40 per week. When employers violate these wage laws, workers can file lawsuits to recover unpaid wages. The settlement demonstrates that legal action can be an effective tool for workers to address wage theft, even when cases don't go to trial. Restaurant employees should keep careful records of their hours and pay to protect themselves.