The Seattle Office of Labor Standards (OLS) has settled with Volume Services Inc., doing business as Centerplate (Sodexo Live!), over alleged failings relating to the city's Secure Scheduling and Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) ordinances. In an agreement reached, the hospitality giant will pay out a hefty sum – $185,668.67 directly to 207 of its employees and an additional $8,996.18 to the City of Seattle. According to the official report, Centerplate has also consented to the drafting and implementation of a formal Secure Scheduling policy within its operations.
In the lead up to Seattle hosting some of the World Cup games next year, Volume Services Inc., which hires around 1,000 workers in Seattle and operates globally with a 40,000-strong workforce, has found themselves contravening local labor legislation. OLS's key complaints against the company alleged that they did not pay the mandatory premium for "clopening" hours – shifts scheduled with less than 10 hours in between – and failed to adequately inform workers of their PSST policy rights. As the food and beverage partner of the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park, Centerplate's services span across concessions and catering for various events, including home games and concerts.
OLS Director Steven Marchese highlighted the need for businesses to comply with the city's labor standards, especially in anticipation of large-scale events like the impending World Cup. "We urge other food and beverage providers and businesses that are covered by the Secure Scheduling Ordinance to take note of this settlement," he advised, informing that the Office of Labor Standards is prepared to offer assistance and training to help in achieving compliance. In a statement detailed by Seattle.gov, Marchese added, "it’s essential for businesses to fully understand and comply with all relevant Seattle labor standards ahead of major events to avoid liability."
For those interested, more information on Seattle’s Secure Scheduling Ordinance and the PSST Ordinance can be found through OLS’s webpages, as mentioned in the settlement announcement. Employers seeking guidance on compliance with Seattle's labor laws can also access free and private training resources. Contact details and additional support mechanisms for employers are made available, providing clarity and aid to navigate the regulatory framework effectively. Having paid the price for vagueness, a clear message is sent that ignorance of the law excuses none in the Seattle workplace milieu.
