Activists Complain That Restaurant Violates Michigan Labor Laws

Detroit, MIA group of activists and union leaders recently held a rally in support of eight current and former workers of the Andiamo Dearborn restaurant who have filed a federal lawsuit claiming that their former employer violated Michigan labor laws.

span itemprop="image" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/ImageObject" style="display:block">The lawsuit alleges that the restaurant violated Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Michigan Minimum Wage Law by underpaying their employees and denying overtime pay for staff members who worked extra hours.

Andiamo is also facing discrimination charges from two of the employees who belong to minority groups as well as a wrongful termination claim from one participant who claims that the restaurant let her go after she complained about her pay.

"We just want what is fair and legally owed under the law," said Naome Debebe, one of the plaintiffs, in a statement to the Michigan Free Press.

For its part, the restaurant has been very defensive in regard to the allegations, telling the Press that the claims are not grounded in "reality." Andiamo has petitioned the Restaurant Opportunities Center for proof of these allegations, but has yet to receive any details.