Casa Tequila owes more than $272K in back wages to more than 100 employees, U.S. Labor Department reports
PEWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) --A well-known Mexican restaurant chain with multiple establishments in Wisconsin must now pay more than $272,000 in back wages from more than 100 employees, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Labor Monday.
Casa Tequila LLC allegedly is under fire for alleged invalid tip pooling, unpaid overtime and employing three minors who worked later and longer hours.
"The investigation initiated in April of 2022 and covered back to the two years prior, April of 2020," said Kristin Tout, a district director at the U.S. Department of Labor.
The company was found to have improperly included kitchen staff in the tip pool, miscalculated overtime wages and violated child labor laws.
Tout told CBS 58 News that labor violations happen way too often in the restaurant industry and more so among the immigrant community.
"There are workers who may not be familiar with their rights," she said. "And in particular, where workers fear retaliation where they may not be aware that if they come forward that they have protections."
All four Casa Tequila locations have been noted by the Department of Labor:
- Casa Tequila Pewaukee owes 38 employees $140,071
- Casa Tequila West Bend owes 22 employees $52,398
- Casa Tequila Waukesha owes 28 employees $51,338
- Casa Tequila Hartford owes 22 employees $28,370
In total, the owner, Maria Campuzano owes $272,177 in back wages to the affected employees. Additionally, for child labor violations, a $2,373 civil penalty has been levied against Casa Tequila LLC.
The report adds that the restaurant employed three minors ages 14 and 15 past 9 p.m., and for more than eight hours.
"Workers should know that they have a right to make a complaint, consequences for noncompliance after an investigation become more serious," Tout added.
CBS 58 News tried reaching out to Campuzano multiple times and as of Monday afternoon has not heard back.
To report an incident or ask questions you can contact the regional U.S. Department of Labor at: 414-297-1590.