Strippers sue L.A. clubs over tips, wages

A group of exotic dancers has sued some of the biggest nightclubs in Los Angeles over unpaid wages and tips.

Attorney Patrick Manshardt filed the lawsuit WednesdayÖ in U.S. District Court on behalf of four dancers.

The suit accuses 19 clubs of violating federal and state law by not paying any wages to the dancers and forcing the dancers to tip other club employees, such as bartenders and DJs, and give up to 50 percent of their tips to the clubs.

Manshardt says the clubs attempted to isolate themselves from employee wage laws by requiring the dancers to sign employee agreements as independent contractors. He says the agreements were signed under duress and are therefore void.

The suit calls for the dancers to receive back pay and return of all tips.

joanna.lin@latimes.com