Starbucks sued again over how tips are shared

updated 4:04 p.m. ET March 26, 2008

BOSTON - Starbucks has been sued in Massachusetts by a former barista who says the coffee giant wrongly required him to share tips with shift supervisors.

The lawsuit comes five days after a California judge considering a similar case ordered the company to pay baristas in that state $100 million in tips and interest.

In the suit filed Tuesday, 18-year-old Hernan Matamoros claims Starbucks violated a state law that prohibits supervisors from sharing tips reserved for waiters, bartenders and other employees paid below the minimum wage. He worked as a barista at a store in Boston.

Matamoros sued on behalf of thousands of baristas who have worked at Starbucks stores in Massachusetts over the past six years.

Starbucks plans to appeal the California case.

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