Ritzy restaurants accused of stealing tips

Fine dining in New York City? Servers and attendants at New York's fanciest restaurants say it ain't so fine for them.

A series of lawsuits filed over the past few years accuses the restaurants of stealing tips from workers and bilking them out of wages. Many of these eateries are owned by accomplished entertainment celebs.

It's illegal for businesses to take workers' tips, even if they're redistributing them to managers. (Just ask Starbucks.)

Recently a judge approved part of a $3,900,000 settlement for employees at some of the restaurants. Another establishment agreed to pay $1,750,000 for missing wages. Other suits involved claims of racial discrimination in promotions.

Meanwhile, Bush's Department of Labor sits on its hands.

(Source: http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080919/world-news/new-yorks-top-restaurants-plagued-by-tip-trouble)