Hooters workers sue restaurant chain, some Calif. locations over alleged wage, work violations

Hooters employees sue over work, wage violations

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Three dozen current and former Hooters workers are suing over work and wage violations, saying they were forced to buy their own uniforms and work without pay.

Attorneys representing the former and current employees filed two lawsuits seeking class-action status Tuesday in Sacramento and Los Angeles. They follow a lawsuit filed in San Francisco last year.

The plaintiffs say the Atlanta-based franchise required them to buy their own uniforms, work off the clock and failed to provide lunch breaks as required by law. The lawsuits say managers skimmed money from tips.

San Francisco attorney Burt Boltuch says the employees are seeking millions in reimbursement and penalties.

The national restaurant chain and several locations in California are named in the suit. Hooters did not immediately return an e-mailed request for comment on Wednesday.