A contract worker for Bash Events at Soldier Field alleges the company kept a percentage of employee tips while also allegedly violating minimum wage laws.
Named plaintiff Angelica Staniszewska filed a complaint Oct. 27 in Cook County Circuit Court against Bash Events LLC, Aramark Sports and Entertainment Services LLC, and two indivuduals, alleging violation of the Illinois Minimum Wage Law and other claims.
According to Staniszewska's class action complaint, she was employed by Bash Events as a "day or temporary laborer" to provide bar tending services for Aramark, who contracted with the Chicago Bears to sell refreshments at Soldier Field. She claims she was misclassified as an independent contractor and that Bash deducted 20% of bartenders' tips for "support services," while paying bartenders $8.20 an hour, a rate allegedly below the city of Chicago and Illinois minimum wage for tip professions.
She further claims Bash allegedly pooled credit card tips among the bartenders and that the 20% retention of their tips is illegal.
Staniszewska and the class seek monetary relief, interest, trial by jury and other relief.
They are represented by Christopher Wilmes and Karen Villagomez, of Hughes, Socol, Piers, Resnick & Dym Ltd., in Chicago.