Brinker International faces lawsuit over alleged discrimination at Chili's

Former employees of a Chili's restaurant in Glendale, Queens, have filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against parent company Brinker International in the Eastern District of New York. The plaintiffs allege that the company's reliance on a subminimum tipped wage and customer performance ratings created a discriminatory work environment.

The lawsuit claims that the pressure to maintain high customer ratings and secure tips forced female employees to endure sexual harassment and employees of color to face racial discrimination to protect their livelihoods. Plaintiffs stated that management failed to protect workers from inappropriate customer behavior, such as unwanted sexual advances and comments regarding their bodies.

Furthermore, the complaint argues that the scheduling system, which utilizes customer ratings, may perpetuate racial bias by affecting shift assignments and table allocations. The legal action contends that the current pay structure forces a choice between personal dignity and financial stability.