It’s Rough-in the Outback

Two former employees of Bloomin’ Brands (dba Outback Steak House) are representatives in a class-action lawsuit against the food company. Based in Nevada, the suit alleges a variety of wage and hour violations.

Outback allegedly had a policy of “Outback Time” where employees were required to report at work 10 to 15 minutes early but could not clock in until the start time of their shift. Additionally, employees were encouraged to work off the clock and were prohibited from being paid for training shifts and company meetings where they weren’t actually serving. Essentially, employees who refused to operate off the clock were threatened with termination.

The lead plaintiffs, Brooke C. and Cody H., further allege denied meal breaks and rest breaks as well as failure to meet minimum wage and pay overtime rates. The complaint states, “Bloomin’ maintains a steadfast, single-minded focus on minimizing its labor costs.” There is always “the need to have as many tasks as possible performed by as few employees as possible.”

The plaintiffs are suing on behalf of others similarly situated as them nationwide.

Source: topclassactions.com