$28K Recovered In Minneapolis Blaze Pizza Wage Theft Case

MINNEAPOLIS — The city of Minneapolis has settled with Team DHW, a former Blaze Pizza franchisee, in a wage theft case. A total of $28,200 in wages was recovered for 19 employees in the case, the city announced Tuesday.

The store failed to comply with the city's minimum wage and sick leave ordinances, according to the Minneapolis Labor Standards Enforcement Division.

"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," a Blaze Pizza spokesperson told Patch.

"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."

The minimum wage in Minneapolis is currently $14.25 an hour for franchises and large employers with more than 100 employees. Starting July 1, the city's minimum wage will increase to $15 an hour.

Additionally, the city's sick and safe time ordinance requires employers to provide leave.