Workers owed back wages

Department of Labor investigators found that three immigrant workers at an Elmhurst C-Town supermarket had not been paid wages for six years, and that the grocery store owed the trio a total of $329,000 in back wages.
At a rally in front of the supermarket, located at 94-53 Corona Avenue, on Thursday, May 8, state and union officials demanded action from the store’s owners.
The baggers, whose identities were protected at the protest, were supposed to have been paid, but lived exclusively off tips.
“C-Town preyed on the immigrant work force,” said Senator John Sabini at the rally. “They didn’t pay them for six years of work which often included 75+ hour-work weeks with no overtime and no benefits.”
Each bagger was found to be owed between $50,000 and $100,000 and in total, the investigation showed that C-Town owes over $300,000 in arrears.
The same investigation also showed that another supermarket, Fine Fair on Mermaid Avenue in Brooklyn, also owes nearly $100,000 in back wages. Currently two other New York City supermarkets are under investigation.
“When you tip someone you assume they are paid the minimum wage,” said Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith. “It is shocking that these workers were only paid tips.”
Smith went on to say that C-Town was exploiting its workers simply for profit and that because of it, the supermarket, which is individually owned and operated, was penalized for serious Labor Law violations.
“Workers have a right to be paid a normal, decent wage and benefits and to have all the things needed to live a decent life,” said Kevin Lynch, union spokesperson. “The union is determined to stand by them no matter what,” he continued.
C-town officials declined to comment when asked about their labor practices.
For anyone wishing to report a labor violation for supermarket workers, the number to contact is 1-888-770-8510, Ext. 317.