Behind every Broadway show is a dedicated crew of bartenders and water vendors working tirelessly to ensure the audience has an unforgettable experience. For those jointly employed by the Shubert Organization (“Shubert”) and Theater Refreshment Co. of New York (“TRC”), this work is often performed for less than half the New York City minimum wage rate.

On August 18, 2023, MSR filed suit on behalf of over two dozen bartenders and water vendors seeking back pay for widespread violations of the New York Labor Law (“NYLL”) by Defendants Shubert and TRC, including minimum wage, spread-of-hours, and overtime violations. Plaintiffs allege that Shubert and TRC illegally claimed a tip credit on their wages without following procedures required by the NYLL. Such practices not only violate the law—they perpetuate a cycle of financial instability for workers who often struggle to make ends meet while working a full-time job. Read the complaint here.

The case is Bartlett, et al. v. Shubert Organization, et al., Index No. 654022/2023, and is being litigated by Jason Rozger and Raya Saksouk.