Barista proprietor allegedly withheld payments and sexually harassed employees, according to a Washington lawsuit.
In a significant move, the Washington state attorney general has filed a lawsuit against Jonathan Tagle, the owner of Paradise Espresso coffee stands, in King County Superior Court. The lawsuit alleges that Tagle has violated multiple labor laws and sexually harassed female employees at his coffee stands in Tukwila, Monroe, Lynnwood, and Mountlake Terrace.
According to the lawsuit, Tagle has failed to ensure the rights of his workers, with the affected employees being the female baristas. The state claims that Tagle did not consistently pay workers minimum wage or their tips, and he did not let his employees accrue or take paid sick leave. Furthermore, Tagle is accused of not informing his employees about their entitlement to leave benefits.
The lawsuit also alleges that Tagle required sexual acts from employees to be hired, keep their jobs, or get job positions. He is accused of making sexual comments, touching employees without permission, recording them changing, and committing other sexual offenses since 2012.
The state is asking the court to make Tagle pay the employees all the wages he allegedly deprived them of, plus damages. The lawsuit further states that Tagle would have to pay his employees what they are owed when they're owed it moving forward.
The lawsuit also highlights instances of retaliation against employees who rejected or opposed Tagle's sexual advances. These employees reportedly faced reduced hours, shifts with worse hours, removal from promotional social media pages, firing, or being forced to quit. The lawsuit alleges that Tagle should cease his pattern of retaliation and discrimination on the basis of sex.
The state alleges that the baristas reported feeling uncomfortable, stressed, afraid, or traumatized due to Tagle's behaviour. It is important to note that 'bikini barista' coffee stands employ women who serve coffee while dressed in bikinis, lingerie, or other clothing.
This lawsuit marks a significant step towards ensuring the rights and safety of workers in the state of Washington. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar cases in the future.
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