Make the Road by Walkings Workplace Justice Project launched the ¡Despierta Bushwick! (Wake Up Bushwick!) Campaign over a year ago to confront rampant exploitation of immigrant workers in the retail sector. The campaign has already pressured multiple employers to pay over $600,000 in back wages to immigrant workers in the community.
Our latest target is our local Associated Supermarket on Knickerbocker Avenue, whose owners have committed egregious wage violations against their employees for years, including failure to pay minimum wage and overtime, and having some employees work for tips only with absolutely no benefits.
Make the Road by Walking has filed a suit with the Attorney Generals Office on behalf of over forty workers and expects to recover at least $1 million in back wages. Each day, the boycott continuesour members and supporters are in front of the Associated at prime shopping time to talk to our neighbors about the mistreatment of the workers there and to encourage local residents to spend their money elsewhere. We will continue our boycott and our work with Attorney Generals Office until justice is served.