Workers Are Suing Happy Lamb Hot Pot, Alleging Wage Theft and More | Eater Boston

"On October 30, 2018 nine current and former employees filed a federal complaint alleging that the Cambridge hot pot restaurant’s management committed widespread labor law violations, including failing to pay overtime, stealing and improperly distributing pooled tips (reportedly giving shares to ineligible staff and management), and refusing to let workers use accrued sick time. The complaint—seeking about $806,000 in back wages and damages and brought with representation from Greater Boston Legal Services—also alleges that some tipped workers received no base pay or were paid a sub‑minimum wage without meeting tip‑credit requirements, and that workers who spoke up were retaliated against (including at least one firing and schedule cuts). Plaintiffs describe a hostile workplace in which manager Bin “Eason” Zhang verbally abused staff, took a share of waitstaff tips while spending much of his time in an office, and co‑managers exercised day‑to‑day control over hiring, scheduling, tip pooling, and pay; the complaint names additional defendants including Michael Puileung Luk, Kong Wai “William” Cheung, and Jinling “Elaine” Huang. Workers also report hazardous exposure to extremely strong bleach and detergents that caused chemical burns and skin injuries, and say management refused to allow sick leave while injuries healed. The restaurant is believed to be affiliated with the Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot chain, and plaintiffs note similar complaints filed last year against related New York locations." - Terrence Doyle