New York Post, October 30, 2009, Friday

New York Post

October 30, 2009, Friday

New York Post

Bare-bone$ Hooters

Waitresses sue over outfits

Hooters waitresses are not only forced to wear trashy boob-clinging uniforms -- they also have to pay for them.

Waitresses Gina Rosati and Amy Frederick filed a class-action lawsuit in Brooklyn federal court yesterday accusing the Hooters of Long Island chain of labor-law violations.

"Hooters of Long Island requires its waitresses to purchase and wear a nationally recognizable uniform," attorney Louis Pechman wrote in the suit.

The cost of the uniform is $5.45 for "Dolphin" shorts, $6 for a Lycra tank top, $2.50 for shiny beige pantyhose, $3.23 for a pouch and $2.25 for thick white socks, the suit says.

The waitresses also have to share their tips with kitchen staff. Such a requirement, Pechman said, is also illegal.

The suit seeks back pay and damages from owners Richard Buckley and Christopher Levano and parent company Strix.

At least 100 waitresses who worked at the chain's locations in East Meadow and Islandia, LI, and Fresh Meadows, Queens, over the past three years could qualify to collect.

Hooters of Long Island declined comment.
kati.cornell@nypost.com