Dick’s Drive-In settles worker lawsuit, blasts state’s surge in class actions

Puget Sound burger chain Dick’s Drive-In announced it has reached a settlement in a proposed class-action wage-and-hour lawsuit, according to an update sent to customers.

The lawsuit filed early this year by California-based Justice Law Corporation on behalf of a former employee, alleged the restaurant chain failed to provide required 10-minute rest breaks and 30-minute meal periods mandated under Washington state labor law.

The potential class-action lawsuit could have involved hundreds of employees including workers at the chain’s Broadway location.

While the agreement awaits final approval in King County Superior Court, Dick’s leadership denies any wrongdoing, maintaining they have documented proof of accurate pay and proper breaks. Executives stated the settlement was a practical business decision to avoid the crippling expense and distraction of multi-year litigation.

In the statement, Dick’s criticized Washington’s regulatory climate and the surge in employment class actions, noting plaintiff attorneys will collect over $600,000 from the deal. Management urged eligible current and former workers to accept their settlement payouts.

The company’s Broadway drive-in is one of the most popular fast food stops on Capitol Hill. This summer, new paperwork was filed for early permitting work for a possible new Capitol Hill McDonald’s only a block away but there have been no new filings for the possible big chain Dick’s competition since.

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