A federal lawsuit claims a Wichita club owes back wages to 80 female entertainers due to illegal wage practices
This lawsuit, filed on January 6, follows an investigation that found some pretty shady wage practices. The club allegedly didn’t pay the dancers properly, took unauthorized deductions from their tips, and even had a weird clause that made them pay back wages if there was any legal action.
The complaint says Pleasures misclassified the dancers as independent contractors. This meant they missed out on overtime and other benefits. Plus, they had to deal with illegal deductions from their tips.
Reed Trone, the Wage and Hour Division District Director, pointed out that Pleasures acted like an employer. They set the dancers’ schedules and terms, which means they should be treated as employees. The department is committed to standing up for workers and making sure employers follow the law.
The lawsuit is asking for back wages and an equal amount in damages for the dancers. It also wants the court to stop Pleasures from retaliating against its employees and to ensure they follow the Fair Labor Standards Act.
