More than two dozen men, who were fired from a Washington Heights Dominos, for getting involved in a higher pay protest, were given their jobs back, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced Thursday.
According to the Huffington Post, 25 deliveryman for the pizza franchise were fired for complaining about being paid the "tipped wage," which is $5.56 an hour. Protesting workers are stating that because they perform additional tasks, like cleaning the kitchen, it qualifies them to be paid the state's minimum wage of $7.25.
"New York's labor laws exist to ensure the protection and fair treatment of employees in the workplace," Schneiderman said in a statement. "My office will take swift action where there is any indication that an employer may have retaliated against workers for complaining about illegal labor conditions."
Schneiderman said the owner of the franchise could be fired if the delivery workers were not rehired. After a four-day protest, which included community members, Schneiderman was able to draw up an agreement between the delivery men and owners. Schneiderman said the owners agreed to restore all workers, no later than Sunday.
"There's no excuse for companies like Domino's not following the law and there's no reason why its workers should be forced to work off the clock or for less than minimum wage," Jonathan Westin, Executive Director of New York Communities for Change, a social justice organization, said in a press release.
In October, Schneiderman's office launched an ongoing investigation in other federal labor violations at the Washington Heights Dominos and owned by the franchisee. Domino's stated that the Washington Heights franchise is independently-owned and they have no role in the reported agreement.
"No one should be harassing workers just because they walk out," said Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez (D-Inwood). "This shows that not only will our community and elected officials stand up for those treated unfairly, but that we will see the fight through until justice is served.
