McMenamins Six Arms To Pay $90K For Scheduling Violations

The Seattle Office of Labor Standards (OLS) recently announced a settlement with McMenamins Brew Pubs, Inc., doing business as McMenamins Six Arms, following an investigation into alleged violations of the city’s Secure Scheduling Ordinance.

As part of the settlement, McMenamins agreed to pay a total of $90,949.59 to 131 workers at its Six Arms location. The payments include back wages, interest, liquidated damages, and civil penalties. The company will also pay a fine of $691.87 to the City of Seattle.

OLS alleged that McMenamins failed to issue premium pay in instances where it was owed due to employer-initiated changes to employee work schedules. Additionally, OLS alleges that the company did not consistently document whether schedule changes were initiated by the employer or the employee, nor did it always record whether exceptions to premium pay applied.

In response, McMenamins has agreed to implement an updated Secure Scheduling policy to ensure future compliance.

“OLS understands the complexities of this law and we want to remind employers and managers of their responsibilities so they can meet the requirements and avoid potential fines,” said OLS Director Steven Marchese. “The intent of the Secure Scheduling law is simple: everyone has the right to know when they’re scheduled to work and how many hours they’ll receive. This helps provide greater stability both on and off the job.”

Since Seattle’s Secure Scheduling Ordinance took effect on July 1, 2017, OLS has reached 54 settlements under the law. Over the past eight years, financial remedies have totaled more than $10.3 million, impacting 11,160 workers citywide.