Former Cook at Secretive Club in San Francisco Alleges Wage Theft and Break Violations

Labor disputes can occur at any workplace in California, but those involving high-profile organizations often draw more attention. San Francisco’s exclusive Bohemian Club is again under scrutiny for employment violations. The secretive, all-male private club has been accused of wage theft and denying workers legally mandated breaks. 

The historic Bohemian Club, which dates back to 1872, operates a clubhouse on Taylor Street in San Francisco. In May, a former employee and cook filed a lawsuit against the club alleging unlawful labor practices. The lawsuit seeks class-action status and involves allegations of wage-related violations that could impact at least 100 current and former workers. 

According to the complaint, employees were required to work through meal breaks, and their timecards were altered to mask this illegal practice. Additionally, supervisors sometimes pressured staff to forgo rest breaks in violation of California labor laws. Employers are required to provide a 10-minute rest period for every four hours worked and a 30-minute meal break for shifts worked over five hours.

The lawsuit said the violations went beyond meal and rest breaks. Employees were allegedly asked to carry out tasks such as donning protective gear, undergoing COVID screenings and handling security procedures before officially clocking in. When workers are forced to work off-the-clock without pay, employers may be liable for unpaid wages. Employees should be paid for all time spent on tasks related to their job duties.

California has robust labor laws aimed at protecting workers from wage theft. Under the California Labor Code, employers must provide meal and rest breaks and compensate employees for all hours worked, including tasks performed before or after a shift. Any pre-shift or post-shift duties, such as wearing protective gear or undergoing bag checks, must be included in the employee’s paid time.

The complaint also details instances where workers had to cover business expenses out of pocket, including purchasing uniforms, safety equipment and cooking knives. Failing to reimburse employees for expenses related to their job duties is another potential violation of California employment law.

The Bohemian Club is a storied and secretive institution known for its powerful members, including presidents, business moguls and other influential figures. While the club may be full of mystique, this isn’t the first time its labor practices have come under scrutiny. 

In 2016, a wage theft lawsuit involving similar allegations led to a $7 million settlement. However, the club did not admit to wrongdoing. In 2023, valets working at the Bohemian Grove retreat claimed they were subjected to grueling, 16-hour workdays without proper pay. The club hosts two-week private gatherings each summer at the 2,700-acre campsite in Sonoma County.

Wage theft is a serious issue affecting many workers in San Francisco and across California. It encompasses a range of unlawful practices, including unpaid overtime, failure to pay minimum wage, denial of breaks and requiring employees to work off the clock. Understanding your rights as a worker is crucial to identifying an employer’s unlawful employment practices and fighting against them.

If you have experienced wage theft, you may have grounds for legal action against your employer. The skilled San Francisco employment lawyers at McCormack Law Firm are dedicated to helping workers recover their unpaid wages. While we are not involved with this lawsuit, our attorneys have experience handling many different employment law cases and are ready to answer your questions. Contact us today for a free initial consultation to learn more.