Toyo Eatery Responds to DOLE Labor Complaint From Former Employees

(SPOT.ph) Toyo Eatery is usually celebrated for what comes out of its kitchen, but a number of former employees are now raising complaints about what they allege to be unpleasant work conditions inside it. They have brought these concerns to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), citing alleged long work hours, unclear pay arrangements, and issues with workplace culture.

In a report by Bilyonaryo News Channel, a former employee described going to work at around 11 a.m. and then leaving the kitchen at 2 a.m. or 3 a.m., five days a week, while also alleging that overtime pay was not provided. In addition, he claimed that salary breakdowns were not properly documented, with pay details supposedly sent via screenshots rather than official payslips.

There were also claims of possible blacklisting involving employees who resigned or spoke up against management.

Toyo Eatery said in a statement that the accounts “do not accurately reflect” how the restaurant operates.

“Toyo Eatery has always operated in full accordance with the Labor Code of the Philippines and all applicable labor regulations... We have consistently met these obligations throughout our 10 years of operations. Prior to this issue, not a single labor case has ever been filed against us, a record we do not take for granted,” the Michelin-starred restaurant said.

When asked by SPOT.ph if Toyo Eatery was categorically denying all allegations raised by former employees, the restaurant only reiterated its statement that it does not “lightly dismiss the personal feelings or varying experiences of past or present team members.”

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On June 3, DOLE conducted a complaint inspection at Toyo Eatery. Based on a DOLE memorandum, labor inspectors found that written employment contracts were not furnished to workers at the time of inspection, but the establishment was found compliant with Occupational Safety and Health Standards. In its statement, Toyo Eatery said the inspection was “concluded with full clearance from DOLE.”

This wasn't the first time DOLE reviewed the Makati restaurant’s records. In a separate routine inspection in March, DOLE also noted that payroll records for January and February were not presented.

Some employees interviewed by DOLE also submitted written statements in favor of the restaurant, stating that they receive overtime pay, have 20 days of vacation and sick leave each year, are given free meals, and did not experience coercive tactics from management.

SPOT.ph asked whether the restaurant has reviewed or changed any workplace policies in light of the complaint. Toyo Eatery said its policies on employee welfare, wages, and benefits “have always been firmly in place” in accordance with the Labor Code, and thus remain unchanged.

“The official findings stand as the accurate reflection of our workplace operations,” Toyo Eatery told SPOT.ph. “We welcome routine regulatory oversight as a standard part of doing business, and again, as we shared, we have fully cooperated with DOLE and complied with all routinary post-inspection requirements to bring this matter to a close.”

DOLE has not yet released a final resolution on the other allegations.

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