ALBANY N.Y. New York state labor commissioner M. Patricia Smith said Wednesday that an investigation into the labor practices at nine Asian restaurants in New York City resulted in an agreement to pay $2.3 million in minimum and overtime wages to about 800 workers.
The case, investigating owner Tsu Yue Wang and restaurants including Ollie’s Noodle Shop and Grill, Ollie’s Brasserie/Mainland, Chao Zhou and Central Kitchen, resulted in the largest ever settlement for one case in the labor department’s history, according to a statement Wednesday.
Wang was found to have paid his employees, who worked up to 60 hours per week, about $1,200 a month, or less than $300 per week, which amounts to less than $5 per hour. Current law requires employees working 60 hours per week be paid at least $500.50 a week.
In addition to the monetary settlement, Wang agreed to labor department know-your-rights seminars at each of his restaurants, which help educate workers about state labor laws.
“These restaurants are known throughout the city for supplying Asian food for families at reasonable prices,” Smith said. “But as families enjoyed quality food at a price they could afford, workers toiled under the weight of below-minimum wages, late paychecks and lack of overtime payments. Many of these workers have waited a long time to reclaim these hard-earned wages.”
About 40 employees also have filed a class action suit against Wang in federal court. The Urban Justice Center and pro-bono counsel are representing them.
Contact Elissa Elan at [email protected].