Workers to Ask Judge to Hold Wild Edibles in Contempt of Court Over Retaliatory Firings
Submitted on Sat, 04/26/2008 - 12:53pm
For Immediate Release: Brandworkers International
Contact: press (at) brandworkers.org
Press Conference and Rally: Workers Will Ask Judge to Hold Wild Edibles in Contempt of Court Over Retaliatory Firings
Workplace Justice Campaign Has Persuaded Over Twenty of NYC's Most Well-Known Fine Dining Restaurants to Steer Clear of Wild Edibles
COMPELLING VISUALS: Spirited Chanting Workers - Vibrant Signs and Banners
What:
Immigrant workers and their supporters from Brandworkers International and the Industrial Workers of the World will announce the filing of a contempt of court motion against seafood retailer-wholesaler Wild Edibles and its owner Richard Martin. The workers' lawyers will allege that the company violated a preliminary injunction entered against it by federal court judge Louis L. Stanton. The injunction was supposed to protect workers from further retaliation for demanding their lawful overtime pay but the workers say Wild Edibles continued firing workers to deter them from asserting their rights. The workers will also discuss their public awareness effort which has seen six of New York's top restaurant groups encompassing over twenty restaurants cut ties with Wild Edibles until the workers' rights are respected.
When:
Thursday, April 24th at 1:30pm.
Where:
In front of the Wild Edibles retail store on 535 Third Avenue (between 35th and 36th Streets) in Manhattan.
Who:
Immigrant workers who have filed a large class action lawsuit against Wild Edibles for illegally withholding overtime pay and retaliating against employees who asserted their rights. Supporters from Brandworkers International, a non-profit organization protecting and advancing the rights of retail and food employees; members of the Industrial Workers of the World, a grassroots labor union; and concerned community members.
Why:
The Brandworkers Focus on the Food Chain initiative is conducting a comprehensive workplace justice campaign to 'Tame Wild Edibles'. Wild Edibles workers are struggling to make positive change at their low-road employer including reclaiming stolen overtime pay as well as winning a living wage and health benefits as union members. Wild Edibles has responded by firing or forcing out eleven workers in this incredibly difficult economy. Famed restaurants including Union Square Cafe, Pastis, La Goulue, Mermaid Inn, Sushi Samba, and Giorgione have demonstrated concern for social responsibility along their supply chains by pulling out of Wild Edibles.