In the suit filed on behalf of employee Madison Masterson, lawyers contend that the more than 70-year-old burger chain failed to provide employees with rest and meal breaks.
“Defendant’s deliberate and willful failure to pay their employees their earned wages violates Washington law,” the complaint reads.
Under state law, employees must be allowed a paid rest period, “free from duties,” of at least 10 minutes for every 4 hours worked and a 30-minute meal period when they work more than five hours in a shift.
The lawsuit seeks to establish Dick’s employees “who have been victimized by Defendant’s unlawful compensation practices” as a class and to seek damages on their behalf.
The filing does not detail how or exactly when and where the alleged violations experienced by Masterson occurred.
“As a family-owned business that has served the Seattle community for decades, we value our employees and are committed to operating with integrity and in compliance with all applicable laws,” Jasmine Donovan, president of Dick’s Drive-In Restaurants, said in a statement. “While we cannot comment on the specifics of the allegations at this time, we are reviewing the claims thoroughly and will respond appropriately through the legal process.”
The Seattle Times was first to report on the case that was filed in February by the Justice Law Corporation and had been proceeding through King County Superior Court with little notice.
Justice Law Corporation has been involved in several notable recent actions and settlements including a $5 million suit against Apple, and a $875,000 settlement with a California tennis company that was struck down by the court over allegations employees had been duped into signing away their claims. Meal and rest break violations have also been at the center of many of the firm’s other cases as well as cases over misclassification of employees as “independent contractors” to avoid paying benefits and overtime.
While Dick’s is frequently cited as an ideal Seattle employer thanks to its competitive wages, benefits, and college and vocational programs, the company has been hit with workplace violations before. In 2021, state investigators slapped the chain with citations over COVID-19 health and safety violations stemming from worker complaints. The investigation, which began in March 2021, concluded with 12 citations and a total fine of $35,100.
Dick’s has been part of Capitol Hill for decades. In 2013, it shut down Broadway with its 60th anniversary celebration featuring Sir Mix-a-Lot.
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