Noted Italian Restaurant Group Drops Wild Edibles Over Workers' Rights Abuses
Submitted on Thu, 12/04/2008 - 8:36pm
For Immediate Release: Brandworkers International
Contact: press (at) brandworkers.org
Frank Restaurants Demonstrate Support for Sustainable and Humane Food System
Noted Italian Eateries in the East Village Stop Serving Wild Edibles Seafood Over Workers' Rights Concerns
New York, NY (11/24/08)- Three of the most popular Italian dining destinations in the East Village of Manhattan have stopped serving seafood from embattled wholesaler, Wild Edibles, Inc. Workers at Wild Edibles have been campaigning for over a year to reclaim unlawfully withheld overtime pay and win respect on the job. Frank, Lil' Frankie's, and Supper restaurants join over 45 leading NYC eateries that have decided not to serve Wild Edibles seafood until the workers' human rights are honored there.
"During tough economic times, it's more important than ever for employers to pay what they owe under the law," said Carlos Molina, a plaintiff in the class action overtime lawsuit against Wild Edibles. "We are very pleased that the Frank restaurants have heard our call for justice."
Instead of accepting a reasonable resolution of workers' concerns, Wild Edibles and its owner Richard Martin have embarked on a relentless and at times bizarre campaign of retaliation and evasion. Twelve workers have been fired or forced out of Wild Edibles for asserting their rights. The company painted various false names on many of its trucks to avoid accountability to the workers. The Labor Board filed a complaint against Wild Edibles for unlawfully inducing replacements workers with cash, food, and beverages to protest against employees engaged in protected organizing activity with the Industrial Workers of the World labor union.
Brandworkers International is a non-profit organization protecting and advancing the rights of retail and food employees. The Brandworkers Focus on the Food Chain campaign promotes a sustainable food system which incorporates respect for workers' human rights. Focus on the Food Chain is providing comprehensive legal and advocacy support to 26 current and former Wild Edibles employees.
Brandworkers International is not affiliated with the IWW.