Dick’s Drive-In facing class-action lawsuit over alleged break violations

Dick’s Drive-In, the Seattle-based burger restaurant, is facing a class-action lawsuit that alleges employees were not allowed proper rest and meal breaks during shifts.

The lawsuit claims the alleged break infractions resulted in missed wages for Dick’s Drive-In employees spanning the last three years, according to The Seattle Times.

Complaint alleges violations of Washington labor laws

The complaint was filed on Feb. 18 in King County Superior Court, where the lead plaintiff, Madison Masterson, claimed that some employees were not provided 10-minute rest breaks for every four hours of work, along with a 30-minute meal break for every five hours of work, both of which are required by Washington labor laws.

“We value our employees and are committed to operating with integrity and in compliance with all applicable laws,” Dick’s President and CEO Jasmine Donovan said in a statement obtained by The Seattle Times. “While we cannot comment on the specifics of the allegations at this time, we are reviewing the claims thoroughly and will respond appropriately through the legal process.”

The suit claims that employees should be paid overtime wages when a missed break extends an employee’s workweek beyond 40 hours. Additionally, the suit claims some employees did not receive sick leave accrual for the alleged missed breaks.

The plaintiff’s attorneys are seeking to include all “hourly paid or nonexempt employees” in the lawsuit, requesting reimbursements for lost wages, plus interest and attorneys’ fees.

Dick’s Drive-In currently operates 10 locations across the Puget Sound area, with restaurants in Wallingford, Queen Anne, and Broadway, among others.

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