News Summary
The Waterway House Sports and Spirits in Horry County is under legal scrutiny as former employees Kristina Alcorn and Julia Pariag allege unpaid wages. They claim that the restaurant did not provide hourly wages, relying solely on tips instead. The lawsuit highlights issues under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the South Carolina Payment of Wages Act. Owner Timothy Monaco defends the establishment, stating that it has maintained accurate payroll practices for over a decade. This unfolding drama raises important questions about labor practices in the hospitality industry.
Horry County Restaurant in Hot Water Over Allegations of Unpaid Wages
Horry County is buzzing with news as a local eatery, The Waterway House Sports and Spirits, finds itself slapped with a lawsuit. The lawsuit, which was filed on February 14, comes from two former employees, Kristina Alcorn and Julia Pariag, who have raised some serious red flags over their compensation while working at the restaurant. They claim that the establishment did not provide them with hourly wages, instead relying solely on tips as their source of income.
Claims of Unpaid Wages Under the Spotlight
The central issue revolves around complaints under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the South Carolina Payment of Wages Act. According to Alcorn, she was initially paid $15 an hour until late summer 2023. After that point, she alleges that her hourly wage disappeared, and she was left to rely on the unpredictability of tips alone. Meanwhile, Pariag has a different story to tell. She claims that she was promised a minimum wage of $5 an hour but only received two paychecks during her time at the restaurant: one hefty check for $1000 in August and another for about $700 in December. Clearly, there are a lot of moving parts in this case.
Owner Responds to Allegations
Timothy Monaco, the owner of The Waterway House, stands firm in his defense, asserting that Pariag is not owed any further compensation based on his financial records. It appears that the owner is feeling the heat, especially since Alcorn indicated that she declined an offer to resume hourly pay after the lawsuit came to light. As it stands, Monaco insists that his restaurant has operated smoothly for over a decade without any similar complaints, emphasizing the importance of maintaining accurate payroll and accounting documentation.
Fundraiser Controversy Adds Fuel to the Fire
Adding another layer to this unfolding drama, the lawsuit references a fundraiser that was organized following a fire incident in January that left several employees unable to work. The fundraiser was designed to provide some much-needed compensation to those affected. However, Pariag claims that she did not receive any benefits from the fundraiser since she was still employed at the time. Meanwhile, Monaco clarified that Alcorn missed out on compensation because the distribution occurred after she had already left the restaurant. The compensation from the fundraiser was allocated based on percentage shares, further complicating the situation.
What Lies Ahead?
The future of this case remains up in the air, as both sides brace for what could potentially turn into a courtroom showdown later this year if a settlement isn’t reached. As employees like Alcorn and Pariag stand up for what they believe to be their rightful wages, questions arise about the treatment of workers in the hospitality industry. It’s an ongoing story that will be worth keeping an eye on, especially for other restaurant owners and employees in the area.
Whether you’re a regular at The Waterway House or just a concerned community member, this lawsuit has sparked interest and discussion about fair labor practices and compensation standards that serve as the backbone of the restaurant industry. Will the allegations hold water in court? Only time will tell!
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Additional Resources
- WPDE: Horry County Restaurant in Hot Water Over Allegations of Unpaid Wages
- WBTW: Lawsuit Accuses Surfside Beach Sushi Restaurant of Running Illegal Tip Pooling Scheme
- My Horry News: Election Preview in Horry County
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local News Article
- Post and Courier: One SC Man’s Journey to Freedom After Years in Modern Day Slavery
