Jay-z's New York Nightspot Targeted In Labour Lawsuit

The music mogul's hip-hop hot spot 40/40 was named in a lawsuit filed on Tuesday (01Jul08) in a Manhattan court.

Employees of the sports bar claimed they were denied hourly wages and forced to be compensated by customer tips alone.

Workers allege in the class action that they were forced to pay for breaks, spills, and "walkouts" on the job.

According to the New York Daily News, hundreds of former employees could be eligible to collect on the claims if their case wins in court.

Federal Judge Loretta Preska has admitted the club owners violated federal labour laws after reviewing an earnings report for at least two workers who showed they were not paid for overtime at the venue.

She says, "The record contains corroborating evidence of the allegations."

The workers' lawyer Maimon Kirschenbaum added:: "It's a good day for restaurant workers throughout the city."