FAYETTEVILLE -- A former exotic dancer claims she and other dancers were not paid minimum wage or overtime while working at two gentleman's clubs in Fayetteville.
Amanda Hays is suing Silver Dollar Cabaret, Platinum Cabaret as well as Anthony F. Catropa and Anthony K. Catropa in federal court.
The lawsuit seeks class action status on behalf of an estimated 40 dancers who Hays believes were not paid minimum wage or overtime under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and Arkansas Minimum Wage Act over the past three years.
Hays contends she and other women were hired to perform "exotic stage dancing" and "lap dances" but were wrongly classified as independent contractors and had to split their tips with the club.
Hays claims she danced at the clubs for several months but did not invest in the clubs, did not share profits or losses of the clubs and had no control over her work environment.
The owners of the clubs set minimum prices for "lap dances" and "private dances," had complete control over the venues and set the rules Hays and other dancers had to follow, according to the lawsuit.
Hays also claims she and other dancers were required to attend meetings during non-business hours and were not compensated.
The suit seeks actual and punitive damages for unpaid regular and overtime hours worked.
NW News on 07/09/2015