Aramark settles suit with convention center food workers

Aramark settles suit with convention food workers for $1.75M

By Jay Fitzgerald | Tuesday, June 23, 2009 | http://www.bostonherald.com | Business & Markets

Photo by File
Food-service workers at Boston’s two public convention centers have won another battle in the ongoing war over tips between restaurant employees and employers.

The attorney for the convention-center workers has filed a tentative $1.75 million settlement with Aramark Sports LLC, which runs the food services at the two facilities, and the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority.

The workers had claimed in a lawsuit last year that Aramark was charging center customers an extra “administrative fee” that amounted to tips that employees never received. Aramark denied the charges.

But the two sides have reached an agreement calling for a payment of up to $1.75 million, with Aramark reportedly having to pick up the bill.

The settlement still needs approval by a federal judge. A spokesman for Aramark and the workers’ attorney, Shannon Liss-Riordan, declined comment.

The agreement is just the latest restaurant-tips victory won by Liss-Riordan, who has been leading a legal crusade against organizations that allegedly have failed to properly pay tips to workers.

Similar cases have been brought against the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Top of the Hub, Four Seasons, local golf clubs and other facilities serving food.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view.bg?articleid=1180603