A prominent Caribbean restaurant chain in Ontario, Sunrise One Caribbean Restaurant, is facing serious accusations of unpaid wages. At least 12 current and former employees claim they are owed over $94,000 in unpaid wages, including regular pay, overtime premium pay, and public holiday and vacation pay. The Workers’ Action Centre (WAC), a Toronto-based non-profit organization, has been advocating on behalf of these workers since May.
Sunrise One Caribbean Restaurant’s Expansion and Alleged Wage Issues
Founded in 1995, Sunrise One Caribbean Restaurant began as a small 690-square-foot space on Kingston Road in Scarborough. Over the years, the business has expanded to include more than 25 locations across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). However, recent events have brought the restaurant chain into the spotlight for allegations of wage theft.
Last month, a protest was organized outside the Ajax location of Sunrise One Caribbean Restaurant, where demonstrators held signs accusing the chain of failing to pay employees. The Workers’ Action Centre (WAC) has been advocating for the affected workers, alleging the business owes $94,984.09 in unpaid wages. The amounts owed to individual workers range from $1,265 to $19,271.
Employee Claims and Unpaid Wages
One employee, who worked as both a cook and a server for three months at the start of 2024, claims to have been unpaid for several shifts. While this employee earned $16,445.31 in regular wages, overtime, public holiday, and vacation pay, they are still owed over $12,000. According to a letter from WAC, employees were promised a pay rate of $12 per hour. However, multiple cheques issued to them were either bounced or never delivered.
Attempts to Resolve the Issue
In the letter sent to Lance Davenport, president of Sunrise One Caribbean Restaurant, WAC’s Executive Director Deena Ladd outlined the issue and demanded action. Despite repeated attempts to contact Davenport, the organization has yet to receive a response. Ladd’s letter further warns that if the matter is not resolved promptly, WAC will help the workers pursue legal action to recover the money owed.
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Retaliation Against Workers and Potential Legal Action
In addition to the unpaid wages, the letter alleges that several workers were subjected to unlawful reprisals. These employees claim that their shifts were cut, or they were fired, after inquiring about their unpaid wages or asserting their rights under the Employment Standards Act (ESA). WAC also states that if these claims of reprisal are confirmed, the workers will pursue reprisal damages.
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