This site is a static archive. Visit the current IWW website at iww.org ▸
Skip to main content

Storied Tavern on the Green Says No More Wild Edibles‏

For Immediate Release:
Brandworkers International
press (at) brandworkers.org

Tavern on the Green Stops Serving Wild Edibles Seafood Over Workers' Rights Concerns

Legendary Central Park restaurant is the latest to drop Wild Edibles until it settles a year-long dispute with workers

August 11, 2008

New York, NY- Tavern on the Green, one of the nation's highest-grossing restaurants, has stopped serving seafood from wholesaler and retailer, Wild Edibles, Inc. over concern for employee rights. Wild Edibles workers and their allies have been campaigning for almost a year to reclaim stolen overtime pay; to compel compliance with workplace laws including the right to support a labor union; and to win a more livable wage as well as a health care and retirement plan.

"A sustainable and responsible food system includes respect for workers' rights," said Daniel Gross, the founding director of Brandworkers, a non-profit organization providing legal and advocacy support to the Wild Edibles employees. "We are very pleased that a New York landmark like Tavern on the Green has disassociated itself from the labor rights violations at Wild Edibles."

While Wild Edibles has filed for Chapter 11 protection, the company continues to operate its business as it works its way out of bankruptcy. The Wild Edibles workers have vowed to continue the campaign until they win the respect they are seeking.

When Wild Edibles workers demanded the overtime pay which had been illegally withheld from them and respect for the right to join a union, owner Richard Martin embarked on a relentless campaign of retaliation including firing or forcing out eleven of the workers. A federal judge hit Wild Edibles with an injunction against further retaliation which the company quickly proceeded to violate. The workers' lawyers have filed a motion asking the judge to find the company in contempt of court for not respecting the injunction. In addition, the National Labor Relations Board has issued two complaints against the company for interfering with the workers' efforts to form a union with the Industrial Workers of the World.

Tavern on the Green joins a growing list of top restaurants that have dropped Wild Edibles over concern for workers' rights. Those restaurants include Pastis, Union Square Cafe, La Goulue, Mermaid Inn, Giorgione, Sushi Samba, One if by Land, Two if by Sea, China Grill, and Kittichai.

Brandworkers International is a non-profit organization that empowers retail and food employees with legal, advocacy, and organizing tools. The Brandworkers Focus on the Food Chain initiative promotes worker justice along the food supply chain. Focus on the Food Chain is providing comprehensive support to twenty-four current and former Wild Edibles employees.
http://www.Brandworkers.org
AttachmentSize
Brandworkers.JPG7.78 KB