Jason Brodeur Loves Disney and Darden - Hold On To Your Paychecks

The Florida House just passed a bill that overrides local living wage and sick time ordinances, meaning that South Florida employees could take a 40 percent cut in pay.

Miami-Dade and Broward counties both have local laws that require companies who work with the county to pay a higher living wage than the statewide minimum of $7.79.

For 2012-2013, the living wage in Miami-Dade was set at $12.06 with a health plan and $13.82 without.

Rep. Jason Brodeur (R-Sanford) supports preempting local living wages, arguing that "Businesses ... need to know they have consistency and stability in the environment in order to drive economic growth," as reported by the Orlando Sentinel.

The Florida Chamber of Commerce and employers Walt Disney World and Darden Restaurants are big backers of the bill.

Meanwhile critics like Broward County Mayor Kristin Jacobs held that "The argument that we could balance our budgets on the back of the working poor just does not sit well with me," at a press conference on March 21.

Then there are the stories of the workers trying to get by on their wages.

One airport employee told activist group 1Miami how he can't make enough money with just one job, so he took on a second job, often leaving the airport at 2 a.m. just to come back at 5 a.m.

"It is not easy; it's not a game. I don't have any time to spend with my family so that they can know me," he said. "I have a bunch of coworkers experiencing the same problem. And that's not acceptable."

According to a recent MIT study, someone in Broward County must earn at least $11.72 an hour, working full-time, in order to just support themselves. To support a child as well, an hourly wage of $22.95 is required to meet daily expenses.

Those figures in Miami-Dade are $10.79 for those single and $21.87 with one dependent.

Miami-Dade enacted a living wage ordinance in 1999, "to allow citizens to support themselves and their families above the poverty line and with dignity." It applies to any county contract over $100,000 and any work at Miami-Dade Aviation Department facilities.

The bill, which passed Thursday 75 to 43, also overrides benefits granted by local governments such as paid sick leave and domestic partner benefits, according to the Sun Sentinel.

Below is a partial list of campaign contribution made to Jason's re-election fund:

Brodeur, Jason  (REP)(STR)                         08/26/2011           500.00 CHE DISNEY DESTINATIONS, LLC                 220 CELEBRATINO PLACE SUITE 6300         CELEBRATION, FL 34747                    TRAVEL                                   

Brodeur, Jason  (REP)(STR)                         10/19/2012           500.00 CHE DISNEY DESTINATIONS, LLC                 220 CELEBRATION PLACE SUITE 6300         CELEBRATION, FL 34747                    TRAVEL                                   

Brodeur, Jason  (REP)(STR)                         03/31/2012           500.00 CHE DISNEY GIFT CARD SERVICES, INC           SUNTRUST SUITE 505                       LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL 32830               CARD SERVICES                            

Brodeur, Jason  (REP)(STR)                         10/19/2012           500.00 CHE DISNEY PHOTO IMAGING, LLC                5300 CENTER DRIVE                        LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL 32830               ENTERTAINMENT                            

Brodeur, Jason  (REP)(STR)                         10/19/2012           500.00 CHE DISNEY VACATION DEVELOPMENT, INC         1390 CELEBRATION BLVD                    CELEBRATION, FL 34747                    TRAVEL                                   

Brodeur, Jason  (REP)(STR)                         07/07/2011           500.00 CHE DISNEY VACATION DEVELOPMENT, INC.        1390 CELEBRATION BLVD.                   CELEBRATION, FL 34747                    ENTERTAINMENT                  

Texas de Brazil Lawsuit; The Beef Starts Here!

The Law Firm of Lowell J. Kuvin, Miami, and Morgan & Morgan, Orlando have filed a lawsuit against Texas de Brazil, a national restaurant chain with seven locations in Florida. The lawsuit was certified as a “collective action” by the federal court in February and includes six of the seven locations.

The lawsuit alleges Texas de Brazil did not pay servers and bartenders the correct minimum wage because the employees were required to pay for their uniforms, contrary to established federal laws (Department of Labor & Fair Labor Standards Act). Also alleged in the complaint is that Texas de Brazil did not properly pay service staff for all of their overtime hours and that the tip pool scheme was contrary to federal laws. Plaintiffs are seeking damages which include but are not limited to a refund of the entire tip credit of $3.02 for every hour they worked as well as tips illegally paid into the pool.

“Now is the time to join the lawsuit” said attorney Lowell J. Kuvin who represents the Plaintiffs along with Carlos Leach of Morgan & Morgan in Orlando. Mr. Kuvin worked in the hospitality service industry for more than 25 years before he decided to go to law school. “In my opinion, restaurants such as Texas de Brazil try to pass on the daily expenses of uniforms to service staff in order to pad the bottom line of profits” said Mr. Kuvin. “I understand why they do so because the restaurant business is very competitive and really is a game of pennies. However, when restaurants are paying their service staff the bare minimum allowed under Florida law, they need to follow the entire law and that means they need to absorb the cost of uniforms and other tools of trade servers are required to purchase.”

In order to sign up and join the lawsuit you can visit http://www.texasdebrazilsuit.com or call Mr. Kuvin at 305.358.6800 during normal working hours (10 am to 8 pm) weekdays. You can reach Carlos Leech at his office at 407.420.1414.

For more information on restaurant laws in Florida you can visit http://www.floridarestaurantlaw.com or call the Law Office of Lowell J. Kuvin, LLC at 305.358.6800 – lowell@kuvinlaw.com – emails are also welcome.

Saigon Grill in New York City Closes for Good

Workers Picket Saigon Grill

For years, Saigon Grill on Amsterdam Avenue at 90th Street was an Upper West Side fixture. Its spring rolls and Vietnamese soups were staples of quick dinners, celebratory lunches and takeout meals. Its deliveries were prompt, its waiters happy to take care of small children.

Yet there, on Friday, were some of the restaurant’s former regulars and a dozen of the workers who used to serve them, throwing a sort of grand-closing party outside Saigon Grill in the snow.

Balloons festooned a loudspeaker and a sidewalk pay phone.

“When sweatshops close, workers win!” pickets chanted, claiming victory for the pro-labor forces of the famously liberal Upper West Side.

“Celebrate!” read a neon sign hanging from a former deliveryman’s neck. “Sweatshop closed.”

It was a milestone in the history of the pan-Asian restaurant, where workers began picketing in the spring of 2007, saying, among other complaints, that the original owners, Simon and Michelle Nget, paid them less than the minimum wage — under $2 an hour in some cases.

The next year, a federal judge awarded 36 workers $4.6 million in back pay and damages, and the Ngets were charged with over 400 counts of violating labor laws. A settlement reduced the award to $3 million, of which the Ngets paid $1.5 million, according to the office of Assemblywoman Linda B. Rosenthal, a Democrat of the Upper West Side.

New owners, Bei Lin and Ling Qiao, took over the restaurant in 2010, promising to do better and pay the remaining $1.5 million.

But picketing was renewed, prompted by accusations that the owners intimidated, harassed and discriminated against workers. And of the promised $1.5 million, only $500,000 has been paid, according to Ms. Rosenthal’s office.

The restaurant had been shut more than once in recent months for health violations, including having mice, cockroaches and flies on the premises.

But it appears to have been closed for good since Feb. 26, a few weeks after a judge ordered the owners to pay $1 million still owed the workers.

“Restaurant official closed,” a note on the door read on Friday. “We’re sorry for inconvenience with you.”

It was unclear why the restaurant had been shuttered. A voice mail message left with the restaurant was not returned.

“Good riddance,” said Ms. Rosenthal, who has worked with a group representing the workers, the Justice Will Be Served campaign.

“It also sends a message to other restaurants that you can’t mistreat your workers. It just won’t fly on the Upper West Side.”

Organizers say the years of picketing outside Saigon Grill have inspired delivery people and other workers at other Asian restaurants, nail salons and pizza parlors around the city to fight unfair labor practices.

Like other local residents in attendance on Friday, Ms. Rosenthal said she ate at Saigon Grill often in the years before the Ngets’ violations came to light. She said that after the news spread, she did not know anyone who patronized the restaurant.
Saigon Grill’s labor battles became notorious enough that several passers-by said they had eventually given up their favorite spring rolls and noodles to support the workers.

“It turned me off,” Lori Countey, who lives six blocks away, said. “I felt wrong about going in there.”

Still, the restaurant remained busy on many nights. And there were signs that all the commotion, instead of winning the hearts and minds of progressive neighbors, had frayed some local nerves.

The rally on Friday was twice interrupted by angry residents.

“I’m a liberal, but I found this offensive,” said Judy Bardack, 70, who had watched the pickets come and go for years, though she had never eaten at the restaurant.

“This was not the worst abuse in the world, and they managed to hound them out of business. I mean, the balloons!”

Shakir Farsakh, 50, another neighbor, said he had decided not to eat at Saigon Grill after hearing about the protests, but broke his self-imposed rule a few times.
“We went once in a while after that, feeling a little guilty,” he said. After all, the restaurant was convenient and its food was good. “But,” he said, “we still weren’t happy about it.”

Tilted Kilt Now Hiring Kilt Girls

Discrimination and objectification at it best. No different than Hooters. Why do men and women allow this to continue? I'd sure to find an over 40 female or a guy who applied and was rejected.

TILTED KILT NOW HIRING KILT GIRLS, 2/15, 2/16 & 2/17 (HALLANDALE BEACH/MIAMI)
CASTING CALLS THIS WEEKEND!!!! The TILTED KILT PUB & EATERY..........The HOTTEST place to work in Miami/Hallandale area, FL. Are you extremely fun, active, charming, have a great personality and feel comfortable in your own skin? If so, you could be a perfect fit for the role of the Tilted Kilt Girl. Our Tilted Kilt Girls make great money while working in a FUN environment and being in the spotlight. We will be casting all roles: Tilted Kilt Girl, Tilted Kilt Hostess, and Tilted Kilt Bartender. You will only be able to APPLY IN PERSON. You must adhere to the established appearance guidelines. Must maintain a costume fit as detailed in the appearance guidelines. Also must be willing to wear required costume.

http://www.tiltedkilt.com. Be prepared to have an audition like you've never had before if chosen for call back. Casting Calls will be held tomorrow, February 8th, 9th & 10th between the times of 12pm-5pm. We will also be doing casting calls the following week of the 15th, 16th & 17th of February also in between 12pm-5pm. All auditions will be held at 1000 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd, office #35, Hallandale Beach Fl, 33009. Only serious inquires need apply please. Contact dbadaan@tiltedkilt.com for further questions.

Location: 606 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd, Hallandale Fl, 33009
Compensation: Hourly Wages as appropriate for position Plus Tips

Please, no phone calls about this job!

Location: Hallandale Beach FL.

Location: HALLANDALE BEACH

Location: HALLANDALE BEACH/MIAMI AREA

Waitress fired after posting controversial pastor receipt on Reddit

JANUARY 31--The St. Louis pastor responsible for the credit card receipt heard ‘round the Internet termed her snide scribblings a “lapse in my character and judgment,” adding that the Applebee’s employee who posted the receipt online was fired yesterday after she lodged a complaint with restaurant managers.

In a TSG interview, Alois Bell said that the online firestorm created by the receipt has left her stunned. “My heart is really broken,” said the 37-year-old Bell. “I’ve brought embarrassment to my church and ministry.”

The Applebee’s receipt, which was posted earlier this week to Reddit, includes Bell’s handwritten notations referring to an 18 percent tip added to the bill (for groups larger than six). “I give God 10% why do you get 18,” wrote Bell, who scratched out the tip and added a zero in its place. She also wrote the word “Pastor” above her signature.

The January 25 meal came after an evening service at the Truth in the Word Deliverance Ministries church, said Bell, who added that five adults and five children were in the group that dined at Applebee’s (a traditional post-service destination for church members). The subsequent bill was divided up amongst the parties.

Bell, seen above, said her notation on the receipt was a “lapse in judgment that has been blown out of proportion.” Despite scratching out the tip added to the bill, Bell claimed that she left a $6 tip in cash, adding that she subsequently discovered the 18 percent gratuity had been charged to her credit card.

Bell said she learned yesterday that a copy of the receipt was online when a friend called to say she was “all over Yahoo. You went viral!” In response, she called the Applebee’s to complain about the dissemination of her receipt, which includes her easy-to-read signature.

In a follow-up conversation with an Applebee’s manager, Bell said she was told that the waitress was immediately terminated.

According to The Consumerist, the receipt was not uploaded to Reddit by the Applebee’s worker who waited on Bell’s party. Instead, the server showed it to waitress Chelsea Welch, who photographed the receipt and later shared it online. Welch told The Consumerist she was fired yesterday. In a statement, Applebee’s spokesperson Dan Smith reported that, “Our franchisee has apologized to the Guest” for violating the patron’s “right to privacy.” The individual responsible for the leak “is no longer employed by the franchise,” Smith added.

A mother of three, Bell heads a 15-member church that rents a storefront space. Bell said she has a separate full-time job--which she declined to describe--and tithes 10 percent of her earnings to the church.

In addition to her fledgling ministry, Bell has authored three slim books--covering topics like fasting, prayer, and religious teaching--that are available for purchase through an online vanity press. One 28-page volume examines spiritual nourishment, complete with references to candy and junk food. The $10 paperback is titled "Watch the Hand that Feeds You."

According to her biography, Bell “gave her life to Christ in 1997 while she was pregnant and homeless with her youngest son.” Living at the time in a Catholic homeless shelter, Bell recalled that she was laying in her bed one afternoon when “the Lord touched her heart and she invited him in.”

Maya Tapas & Grill Accepts Argentina Pesos

Miami - A Miami Beach restaurant has begun to accept that their clients get paid in pesos rather than dollars, a strategy it hopes will attract customers in the country and save the payment of fees for card payments.

"We receive pesos", a colorful poster announcing Maya Tapas and Grill, a restaurant specialized in Argentina and has two property in Miami Beach's Lincoln Road Mall, the main pedestrian street of the island, and the Ocean Drive Desk , beachfront.

The restaurant with this initiative may save the payment of fees for card payments in Argentina and at the same, attracting customers from that country.

"Come in Miami, pay in pesos. 1 U.S. = 4.80 ARS ", added the billboards of this initiative, which takes a few days to apply officially, although previously accepted and occasionally pesos from tourists who remained without dollars or does not work for them the cards.

The initiative of Maya Tapas & Grill joins the restaurant chain Pizza Patron  with great presence in the Southwest and that since 2007 accept Mexican pesos for the purchase of its products in its stores.

Click Here to Watch the VIDEO

Florida Restaurant Law/Employment Wage and Hour Attorney

Broward County Debates Food Trucks: Restaurant Owner Wants Them Banned!

Joey Scuotto, a commissioner with a restaurant down the street from City Hall, has said he wants an outright ban on gourmet food trucks citywide.

"We have so many restaurants struggling to stay afloat in Sunrise," he told the Sun Sentinel. "I see it as a disadvantage to the businesses that the food trucks come in here."

Talk of a ban has sparked an outcry from local food truck owners and onlookers irked by what they call an attempt to stamp out competition.

Some argue a ban on food trucks would be downright illegal.

"The government is not allowed to make protectionist laws that protect one business over another," said Justin Pearson, executive director of the Institute for Justice, Florida Chapter. "That's unconstitutional."

On Dec. 6, Pearson sent commissioners a letter saying the civil liberties law firm has already filed suits challenging laws in Hialeah, Chicago and El Paso, Texas that restrict vendors from operating within a certain distance of their brick-and-mortar competitors.

A Sunrise resident came to City Hall on Tuesday to admonish Scuotto for using his office to try to stifle competition.

"Let the little guy have a chance," said the woman, who declined to give her name. "I think they should be allowed to flourish."

With a red face and raised voice, Scuotto told the woman the city already has a ban on food trucks and he "can't wait" until Jan. 8, when city officials are expected to debate the issue.

City spokeswoman Christine Pfeffer, however, said Sunrise doesn't have a true ban on food trucks. "We have a ban on outdoor sales," she said.

Pfeffer said a Sunrise business wanting to host a food truck event would be required to apply for a special permit.

Rolling restaurants have visited Sunrise during the past two years, but none have been cited because city officials found out after the fact, Pfeffer said.

"Unless you catch someone, you can't cite them," she said.

Robb Muise, a food truck operator from Oakland Park, says he is keeping a close eye on what happens in Sunrise. He plans to get a group of food truck operators to attend the upcoming commission meeting to protest an all-out ban.

Ryan Olesky, a Fort Lauderdale resident who tends bar at a downtown Hollywood restaurant, emailed the Sun Sentinel to accuse Scuotto of being un-American.

"Just another example of a lawmaker doing something for personal gain," he wrote.

Even the Greater Sunrise Chamber of Commerce opposes a ban on food truck events in Sunrise, says executive director Mike Jacobs.

Citing South Florida's thriving food truck industry, Jacobs said Sunrise would be missing out if it banned them altogether.