In a class-action diversity case, the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit thought that a Massachusetts statute (which prohibited "management or supervision" from sharing tip money left for a company's "wait staff" employees) was pretty unequivocal.
Although Starbucks argued its "shift supervisors" were "employees," since those individuals had been given "managerial responsibilities"--like opening and closing the stores, handling and accounting for cash, and monitoring breaks--and weren't allowed to share gratuities under that particular state's law, the First Circuit ultimately concluded that some $14.1 million had to be redistributed.
They sure tipped the scales there.
To view a copy of the First Circuit's decision, please use this link: Matamoros v. Starbucks Corporation