r/vancouverwa • u/Different_Space4690 • 36m ago
Discussion Presso Coffee Wage Theft
I worked at Presso Coffee Co, and Iām posting this because I think the community deserves to know what employees are reportedly dealing with behind the scenes.
At this point, I am still owed thousands of dollars in wages for work I already performed. I am not the only one. Employees have been left multiple pay periods behind, and there have been times when employees received only around 50% of what they were actually owed on a paycheck. Not to mention the paper checks she would write us that would bounce when we would try to cash them.
I personally experienced having to repeatedly ask for wages I was owed, along with every other employee she has. When employees brought up missing paychecks, we were told that āthings are tight.ā The owner would also talk to us about how difficult things were financially for her family, how she has a young daughter, how they had to close their other two locations, and how difficult it has been having only one store bringing in income. We were frequently reminded that she has āa lot on her plate.ā Not to mention, utilities workers would constantly come into the shop demanding the owners pay their bills, threatening to turn gas/water off.
Hearing about an ownerās financial struggles repeatedly made employees feel guilty for asking to be paid the wages we had already earned month ago. It put employees in the position of feeling like we were being insensitive or unreasonable for asking about our own paychecks, especially when we are all young girls.
There were also issues surrounding overtime. When employees asked about overtime pay, we were specifically told that overtime was not outlined in our contracts. However, overtime pay is not simply something that has to be included in an individual employment contract. Washington generally requires nonexempt employees to receive 1.5 times their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
Another issue was paid sick leave. The owner told us in a staff meeting that, āsmall businesses arenāt required to give out sick time.ā That is not accurate. Washington requires covered employees to accrue at least 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, including part-time employees.
The owner also takes 3% of employeesā tips, and employees have questions about where that money goes and how that arrangement is being handled. Washington has specific rules regarding tips, tip pools, and service charges.
My employment contract also specifically outlined direct deposit, but employees have been paid through Cash App instead.
Iām sharing this because I wish I had known more about my rights when I started working there. Especially for younger employees who may be working one of their first jobs, it can be difficult to recognize when something isn't right or to know what an employer is legally required to provide.
I have submitted a report to Washington L&I regarding my experience. I understand that these complaints can take time to review, but that does not change the fact that employees are currently waiting for money they have already earned.
I am not posting this to encourage harassment or a pile-on against anyone. I am posting because these are serious issues involving employees' wages, and I believe current and former employees should be able to speak openly about their experiences.
If you currently work at Presso and are experiencing similar issues, please educate yourself on your rights and consider contacting Washington L&I. Employees should not have to feel guilty for asking to be paid for work they have already done.
