After months of leafleting and picketing Dokdo Sarang Restaurant, the workers have recovered $48,000 from their former employer, David Yoon, who deliberately failed to pay the workers their lawful wages. From AALDEF's press release:
The former workers—two chefs, three cooks, and two sushi chefs—all toiled up to seven days a week for nearly 80 hours each week, working hard to help the restaurant thrive. But when their employer repeatedly broke his promises, failed to properly pay them for their work, and even issued bad checks, the workers had no choice but to quit and take action.Props to AALDEF for always fighting for Asian immigrant workers. Since 2005, NJ-AALP has won more than $300,000 in back wages on behalf of Asian immigrants working in New Jersey. Individuals seeking assistance may contact the AALDEF NJ-AALP helpline at (888) 406-1555. Language assistance is available. For more information, visit the AALDEF website here.
The workers' campaign began in March of this year when they presented their former employer with a demand letter for their wages. When the employer refused to pay, the workers started leafleting and picketing in front of the restaurant demanding that David Yoon pay immediately. The workers' campaign received tremendous community support.
"We were determined to fight until we won and were paid our money. We worked hard and it was a long journey but the hard work paid off. We learned from this experience that if workers organize they can fight and win against bad bosses," said, Mr. Song, a former cook for Dokdo Restaurant.
Mr. Na, a former chef for Dokdo Restaurant, said, "We felt weak when we were fighting this as individuals but when we came together and started working as a team, we realized how strong we were. Support from the community, from other workers, and from AALDEF made a very big difference in our struggle and our victory."