74 Hours Withheld – Help Me Hold the Line

Emergency Rent + Withheld Wages from Protected Leave

Hi everyone — my name is David. I got my start in hospitality back in 1994, washing dishes at 16. I worked my way through kitchens — prepping, cooking, then bussing and serving — before spending 18 years in the U.S. Navy, where I exited at the rank of Chief.

As a Chief, I lived by a simple mantra: “No excuses — only results.” Chiefs are expected to lead by example, hold the line, and put the mission and team above everything else. That mindset has never left me — and I’ve carried it into every guest interaction, every shift, every team I’ve built in hospitality since returning to the industry in 2016.

I’ve served, bartended, managed, and eventually earned the title of General Manager. I briefly held a Director of Operations role, but what I’ve always valued most is building my own team — creating a safe space where people could grow, thrive, and be treated with dignity.

I’ve made my share of hard calls. I’ve had to let people go — and I never took that lightly. I’ve always told people directly, even when it was uncomfortable, because I believe people deserve honesty. Still, there are moments I wish I could go back and handle differently. Like many of us who step into leadership, I’ve learned through trial, error, and reflection. I’ve tried — always — to evolve. To lead with more honesty, more patience, more care. This moment is part of that growth, too.

If I’ve learned anything over the years, it’s this: my team has taught me more than I’ve ever taught them. They’ve shaped me, challenged me, and reminded me what real leadership looks like. I don’t have all the answers. But I listen, I grow, and I show up. That’s what I’ll keep doing — wherever this path leads.

Earlier this year, I was placed on protected medical leave. My employer acknowledged this and confirmed I remained on payroll with accrued paid time off.

But despite that, I have not been paid.

To this day, I haven’t received a paycheck for over 74 hours of vacation time they confirmed I was owed. I’ve also been removed from internal systems and team access without any written explanation — despite never resigning or being formally terminated.

I’ve remained respectful, calm, and patient. I’ve given them weeks to make this right. I’ve documented everything. I’m now preparing a formal complaint with the D.C. Office of Wage-Hour Compliance.

I’m also actively pursuing D.C. Paid Family Leave. My VA provider is currently working on the required paperwork, but as many of you know, government processing takes time even when eligibility is clear. I’ve submitted everything — I’m just waiting on the system to catch up.

My April 1st rent is still unpaid, and I’m doing everything I can to hold out while following the right steps.

This fundraiser will help cover the wages I’m still fighting to recover — and give me the breathing room to stay afloat while I protect my health and prepare to return to work.

I didn’t choose this conflict, but I won’t let it define me. I’ve stood up for my team for decades. Now I’m standing up for myself.

If you’ve ever worked in hospitality, you know how much we give — and how often we’re expected to stay quiet when something goes wrong.

I’m not staying quiet. But I’m doing it the right way — professionally, truthfully, and with honor.

Thank you for reading. Whether you’re able to give, share, or simply send support — I’m grateful for you.

With respect and gratitude,

David Setser

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