On the morning that Gov. Cuomo’s book tour comes to NYC, over 200 workers and advocates rallied to demand that Cuomo stop supporting illegal sweatshop businesses and start enforcing the labor law.
“I went to the Department of Labor in 2008 and I am STILL waiting!” said Marco Lino, who worked 78 hours a week at a market for only $350/week. ”They told me to investigate for the case. Now they say they can’t collect any money.”
Marco isn’t alone–the DOL still has 17,000 open cases and they refuse to investigate wage theft claims the full 6 years back or to support the SWEAT bill to make enforcement of the law possible. The minimum wage also remains an unconscionable $8, yet Cuomo continues to give corporations millions of dollars in subsidies.
While our monthly rallies in front of the DOL have brought out more workers, grown the coalition and publicized Cuomo’s failure to protect the working people of New York, there is more to be done.
Join us in the coming weeks as we:
– Outreach to workers in front of the DOL
– Tour New York State to meet with groups and grow the coalition
– Spread the word about the SWEAT Bill
To get involved, or, if you have a case at the DOL, call us:
212-358-0295
