New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s administration, on behalf of workers, just told businesses to pay up.
Last week, the governor announced that since the formation of the “Task Force to Combat Worker Exploitation” in July 2015, it’s directed more than 1,500 businesses to pay close to $4 million in back wages and damages to more than 7,500 workers.
The backpay is the result of investigations into the nail salon, construction and landscaping, dry cleaning, domestic worker and restaurant industries.
“In New York, we believe that anyone who seeks to build a better future for themselves can do so in the Empire State, and we will not allow the unscrupulous practices of businesses to stand in the way,” said Cuomo in a statement. “From creating the first-of-its kind task force, to enacting unprecedented protections for nail salon workers, our administration has made great strides to root out injustices in industries where employees are routinely victimized, and today’s announcement is proof that our efforts are working.”
The task force’s investigations found that employers failed to pay workers a minimum wage and overtime, denied them other wages and misappropriated tips. Workers also told the task force that they weren’t covered by the right workers’ compensation policies.
Cuomo held a news conference at Empire Szechuan Valley Restaurant in Manhattan, where six workers, including married couple Alejandro Mendoza and Jovita Villanueva-Tapia, weren’t properly paid for overtime hours. With the help of the task force, a $204,500 settlement was reached, to be paid in 24 monthly installments.
“Workers like me shouldn’t have to worry about having our wages stolen,” said Mendoza in a statement “We work hard and deserve to get paid what we’re owed. I thank the governor and his task force for taking our problem seriously, protecting our rights and making sure we get justice.”
At the same Manhattan news conference, Cuomo signed Executive Order No. 159, which establishes a permanent task force devoted to combating employee exploitation. The task force includes state agencies such as the Department of Labor, Department of Health, Department of Tax and Finance, the Division of Criminal Justice Services and the Workers’ Compensation Board.
Activists, advocates and union leaders weighed in.
“Today, New York is expanding on this successful task force to not only protect exploited workers from illegal practices, but ensure their health and safety remain a top priority,” said Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York President Gary Labarbera in a statement. “This is an example of the transformative change that can be created throughout partnerships between the labor movement and government, and I look forward to restoring justice for exploited workers across the state.”
Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, added in a statement, “Today’s actions against worker exploitation send a message loud and clear: New York State has zero tolerance for those who cowardly disparage the rights of any worker and disregard the rule of law.”
The permanent task force will expand referrals to district attorneys for criminal prosecution, expand the existing tip hotline and give the agency more resources to investigate and potentially track down more wage-denying employers.
