2 Minneapolis Businesses Settle Wage Theft Cases

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minneapolis workers spoke out Tuesday after winning thousands of dollars in back pay in a wage theft settlement.

The city of Minneapolis says that Team DHW, which used to run Blaze Pizza, will pay $28,000 in unpaid wages to 19 current and former workers. That's for failing to comply with the city's $15 an hour minimum wage and sick time policy.

"Today I'm relieved to say that we got some retribution. We are being compensated for the stolen wages and the omission for sick time and damages," current Blaze employee Sydney Kuran said. "In the end the fight has been worth it and I hope that our case inspires other Minneapolis workers to band together and fight for their rights."

"While it is nice to receive some money the emotional toll that it took on us working there I don't know that that can be paid back," former Blaze employee Aibai Tarrant said.

Blaze Pizza is now under new management. The company released the following statement:

"Blaze Pizza consists of more than 340 locations across 38 states and six countries, many of which are independently owned and operated by local franchisees. As independent franchisees, each local owner is solely responsible for setting the hourly pay and salaries of their employees, and complying with local minimum wage and sick leave ordinances. Blaze Pizza values our franchisees' employees and expects every franchisee to prioritize fair compensation and the safety of their team members. We are pleased to hear of the settlement with the former franchisee and that current employees are now receiving fair compensation under the new ownership."

A second business is also paying up. The city of Minneapolis said HealthNorth, a home health provider, has agreed to pay $36,000 owed to 20 personal care assistants.