AN ALBUQUERQUE RESTAURANT IS BEING SUED BY THE U-S LABOR DEPARTMENT ON BEHALF OF 42 EMPLOYEES. THE SUIT SEEKS 304-THOUSAND DOLLARS IN UNPAID MINIMUM WAGES, OVERTIME PAY AND LIQUIDATED DAMAGES FROM THE ST. JAMES TEAROOM AND ITS OWNERS, MARY ALICE AND DANIEL HIGBIE.
THE RESTAURANT ALLEGEDLY REQUIRED DISHWASHERS, SERVERS AND OTHERS TO JOIN A TIP POOL, RESULTING IN MINIMUM WAGE VIOLATIONS. THE SUIT ALSO ACCUSES THE HIGBIES DIDN'T PAY CORRECT OVERTIME TO SOME STAFF.
