Three former dancers have filed a new lawsuit against a Birmingham strip club, The Furnace, claiming the business once again failed to pay them minimum wage and overtime.
Filed Monday, the suit alleges that The Furnace violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by classifying dancers and other entertainers as “independent contractors” to avoid paying required wages. According to the complaint, the club also withheld tips and required unlawful “house fee” kickbacks.
The plaintiffs are seeking a jury trial, at least $100,000 in compensatory damages, and other relief. AL.com has reached out to The Furnace for comment.
This is not the first time the club has faced such allegations. In 2021, former dancers brought similar claims of unpaid wages, overtime violations, and illegal kickbacks. That case was settled in February 2024 for $1.25 million, according to recently unsealed court records.
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