FOLLOW US

In a complaint filed Wednesday in Waterbury Superior Court, Sabrina Kaminska alleges that franchise operator Simone's Inc. fired her just hours after she asked whether withholding tips until the end of the month complied with labor law. Kaminska, who had only worked less than two weeks at the Dunkin’ location, says her AI-assisted inquiry triggered swift termination—allegedly under false pretenses.

A Search Result, A Supervisor, And A Swift Exit

Kaminska says that on May 15, 2025, she ran a search online to understand whether Simone’s tip-holding practice was legal. The search results suggested it was not. When she presented this to her supervisor, the response was curt: “That’s AI. It’s not real. This article is not for Dunkin’ Donuts.”

An hour later, Kaminska was out of a job.

The termination, according to the complaint, came despite the fact that earlier that day she was allowed to pick up extra hours—contradicting the supervisor’s claim that she was being let go due to customer complaints.

Statutes, Wages, and the Law

Kaminska isn’t just claiming unfair treatment—she’s backing her case with statutes. The complaint cites Connecticut General Statutes § 31-71b, which mandates that wages, including tips, be paid weekly or bi-weekly. She also alleges a violation of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

The lawsuit further asserts that Kaminska engaged in “protected activity” by raising an internal complaint about tip distribution. In retaliation, she alleges, Simone’s fired her—an act she claims is unlawful.

What She Wants from the Court

Kaminska is seeking double wages, attorney’s fees, and litigation costs under Section 31-72 of Connecticut law. She’s also asking for punitive damages, unspecified monetary relief, and either reinstatement or front pay for lost income.

Who's (Not) In the Hot Seat

Neither Dunkin' Donuts nor its parent company, Inspire Brands LLC, is named in the lawsuit. The Shelton-based Simone's Inc.—which runs the franchise—is the lone defendant. As of Friday, neither the company nor its counsel responded to media requests for comment.

Kaminska is represented by Taylor V. Friel of Cicchiello & Cicchiello LLP. The defense attorney’s details were not immediately available.

AI, Labor Rights, and a Cup of Controversy

This case taps into a growing friction point in the workplace: how employees use AI to inform themselves and advocate for their rights—and how employers react. If Kaminska prevails, it could signal a warning shot to businesses that dismiss digital tools—and their employees—at their own risk.