Domino's Workers Get Their Jobs Back- Daily Kos

Fri Dec 13, 2013 at 06:51 AM PST

Domino's workers fired for protesting wage theft get their jobs back

by Laura ClawsonFollow for Daily Kos Labor

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attribution: Department of Justice

 

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman

 

The 25 Manhattan Domino's workers who lost their jobs after protesting being forced to work below minimum wage will be back on the job this weekend, thanks to an agreement with New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. Delivery workers were told to do tasks that wouldn't lead to tips, but the store continued to pay them a wage legal only for tipped workers. They protested, and lost their jobs.

Jose Sanchez, one of the reinstated Domino's employees, said, "We are overjoyed by the Attorney General’s fight on our behalf, and are excited to be able to return to work at a legal wage. This was never just about us alone -- it was about the 84% of NYC fast-food workers who, like us, are victims of wage theft in our city. My fellow employees and I were so moved by the solidarity and support we received from this community. As we keep up our push for $15/hour and the right to form a union, we know the community has our back."

In addition to the attorney general's role in getting the workers their jobs back, local politicians and community groups like New York Communities for Change pressured the Domino's franchise owner with repeated rallies in support of the workers. It's good to see that in New York, at least, when the attorney general notices labor laws are being broken, he takes action. But as Jose Sanchez pointed out, wage theft is overwhelmingly common in New York City's fast food restaurants and often doesn't draw notice, with workers not empowered or supported to fight back. (Via Think Progress)