Rick Ross was fined by a federal agency for violating federal labor laws at his Mississippi Wingstop locations.
The Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division investigated complaints against Ross and his family and determined that they violated labor laws by forcing workers to pay for their own uniforms, background checks, cash register shortages and safety training.
Most of the employees earned minimum wage of $7.25/hr. — not enough money to house, feed and clothe a family of three in today’s recession.
The DOLWHD says Ross and his family paid $114,427 fines “in back wages, liquidated damages and civil penalties.”
Future violations could result in the loss of his restaurants in the state.
“Restaurant industry employees work hard, often for low wages, and many depend on every dollar earned to make ends meet,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Audrey Hall in Jackson. “The law prevents Boss Wing Enterprises LLC from shifting operating costs to workers by deducting the costs of uniforms, cash register shortages or training expenses, or to allow a worker’s pay to fall below the minimum wage rate.”
Ross, who lives in Fayetteville, Georgia, has not responded to the allegations.
