I’ll get down to it:
My old employer is a (small business)restaurant owner located in a city expanding and unable to keep up with the growing rate of tourism///whatever is going on there. I moved.
Most of us workers knew we were being taken advantage of, but never thought much about legality. It was lesser of a typical restaurant atmosphere at that time, and more very close bonds with customers. Very classic mom and pop feel, very ignore all the bad and just focus on the money and actual bonds formed.
Covid, of course, destroyed our once “veteran” like serving staff.
The PPP loan (no idea how my former owner even swung that) went towards /possible funding of a new location* (not confirmed or denied)
Forceful return to work the day states signed off on reopening. Denials to unemployment when I was personally making 1/5th of my income at the point of re-opening, able to prove so, but of course unemployment was over ran into the ground at this point.
The post COVID restaurant life ruined a lot of incomes, and clearly my owners.
Tip stealing began quickly, ownership stealing from hourly employees (most being teenage hosts)
Ownership forcing hourly employees to tip split with salary employees
Ownership and wage theft went hand in hand. I was so scared of losing my job once, I paid for a $100 walk out.
I could write novels about the mistreatment pre covid/post. Disturbing stuff to think about now.
Towards the end of my time, I openly discussed wages with other staff members, BIG issues popped up regarding taxes, messes all over. Unfortunately trusted who I truly did believe to be friends, and openly discussed my struggles with the labor union (nearly a year later and has still failed me entirely)
All the overlooked abuse started becoming more and more disgusting. I was planning my resignation, but quickly noticed how I was retaliated against on future schedules.
I got fired. I was thrilled!!!
Contacted labor board again. Was told “good luck” essentially. No other former employees care to pursue this further. This restaurant is still operating today. Most of the staff is family of family/close friends. I gave a lot of my mental health to this company, and my physical health. I’m 26, and have extreme chronic pain (tied a lot to this business)
What the hell can I even do?