Key West strip club agrees to settle dancers' wages lawsuit

Former Key West commissioner owns strip club

KEY WEST, Fla. – The owner of a strip club in Key West agreed to a $1.2 million settlement of a class-action lawsuit alleging a violation of federal labor laws and Florida's minimum wage law, the Key Noter reported

Red Garter Saloon owner Mark Rossi, a former Key West commissioner, agreed to the settlement, which extends to any dancer who worked at the Duval Street club between Nov. 1, 2010 and Feb. 29, 2016.

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Although exotic dancers were independent contractors, who paid the club a house fee for their use of the stage and shared tips with other club employees, they claim the club owner treated them like employees. 

U.S. District Court Judge Jose Martinez set an Oct. 3 final hearing in Key West. Last year, Scarlett's Cabaret agreed to pay $6 million in a similar lawsuit.


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The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.