BENTON, Arkansas — An Arkansas restaurant has agreed to comply with an injunction obtained by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) after allegedly violating federal work regulations.
A release from the DOL says that Tim's Tavern in Benton was investigated in February this year by the Wage and Hour Division after allegations arose that the restaurant and its owner, Tim Steppach, failed to pay minimum and overtime wages, kept workers' tips, employed children illegally, and retaliated against a worker for threatening to contact the authorities.
The Wage and Hour Division's investigation found that:
- The restaurant had allowed multiple 14- and 15-year-olds to work outside legally permitted hours.
- As far back as August 2022, Steppach failed to provide regular paychecks.
- Steppach did not pay minimum wage or overtime and tips.
- Tim's Tavern failed to keep records, violating the Fair Labor Standards Act.
The DOL Solicitor's Office then sought a restraining order in federal court to restrict Tim's Tavern and its owner from committing anymore offenses, according to the release.
“Federal law protects workers from wage theft, prevents vulnerable children from being employed illegally and ensures that workers can alert the U.S. Department of Labor of potential violations without fear of retaliation,” said Betty Campbell, the Regional Administrator for Wage and Hour.
The preliminary injunction keeps Tim's Tavern from employee retaliation, contacting the victims of employee retaliation, and violating child labor protections.
DOL is also seeking full relief for all Fair Labor Standards Act violations, including paying employees for owed wages, the release said.
"Our investigation identified numerous violations by Tim’s Tavern and Tim Steppach, and we are using every enforcement tool available to protect their employees and to hold this employer fully accountable," Campbell explained.
Related:
Watch 5NEWS on YouTube.
Download the 5NEWS app on your smartphone:
Stream 5NEWS 24/7 on the 5+ app: How to watch the 5+ app on your streaming device
To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com and detail which story you're referring to.
