Going out to eat is a nice treat, and Bay Area residents rely on the men and women in the food service industry to make the experience a pleasant one. Preparing and serving good food and providing prompt friendly service can set a restaurant apart from competitors. Men and women in the food service industry work hard but are sometimes the victims of wage and hour violations.
Whistleblowers fear retaliation
Bay Area employees may be able to recall a situation in which they had to decide to speak up about a problem in the workplace. In some situations, a supervisor or employer may not want to deal with the issue properly, and may want to prevent other employees or the public from finding out. People who speak up might be considered whistleblowers, and many fear retaliation.
Celebrity chef faces pregnancy discrimination lawsuit
The celebrated chef Thomas Keller and his two restaurants, part of the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group, face a lawsuit from a former employee alleging sex discrimination and violation of pregnancy disability leave. The lawsuit, filed in Napa County Superior Court, seeks $5 million in damages for Vanessa Scott-Allen, who alleges that her pregnancy led to her ultimate termination.
