Attorney General Eric Schneiderman sued a New York Papa John's franchisee on Tuesday over allegations that it underpaid employees.
Emstar Pizza, Inc., which is owned by Emmanuel Onuaguluchi and Uchenna Onuaguluchi, allegedly underpaid workers at its Papa John's restaurants, which is a violation of New York State’s labor laws. The suit alleges the franchise owners didn’t report hours, in addition to rounding down portions of hours. The defendents also allegedly wouldn’t pay workers overtime hours.
Schneiderman's suit requests that the company be required to pay hundreds of workers for lost wages over a six-year period. The company also would be required to cease any poor business practices.
“Like every other business in New York, fast food employers must follow the law,” Schneiderman said. “Employers must pay for all hours worked – without shaving hours and without rounding down. And when people work long weeks, they are entitled by law to get overtime pay."
This is the second suit by Schneiderman's office related to alleged labor law violations by fast-food restaurants.
"My office will combat wage theft whenever and wherever we see it in order to protect the rights of hardworking New Yorkers, including workers who labor at fast-food restaurants," Schneiderman said.