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ERIC APPROVES OF THE PROTESTS

Statement From A.G. Schneiderman On Black Friday Wal-Mart Protests Across The Country

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today released the following statement in support of all those gathering at more than 2,000 Wal-Mart locations nationwide to demand a fair, living wage for workers.

“Today, as millions of Americans kick off the holiday shopping season, I encourage all of them to consider the enormous injustice suffered by many of the workers who are helping them with their purchases. Across the country, workers are standing up to demand a fair day's pay for a fair day's work. I’m proud to stand with them as they raise their voices to send an important message: No one who works full-time should have to struggle to feed their families. Over the past four years, I’ve fought to crack down on employers who cheat hardworking New Yorkers our of their wages. And while we will continue to do everything we can to enforce current laws, we must also move toward enacting new laws to remedy the pervasive income inequality that is plaguing our nation.”

Since 2011, Attorney General Schneiderman has successfully returned more than $17 million in restitution to almost 14,000 workers across New York, and recovered more than $2 million in restitution and penalties for the state. Some of the Attorney General’s actions, which were detailed in this report, including:

  • Protecting the rights of fast food and car wash workers;
  • Enforcing the prevailing wage laws, which require a higher rate of pay for construction and maintenance of governmental buildings;
  • Combating unlawful employer retaliation against employees who have stood up for their rights;
  • Criminally prosecuting employers who commit egregious violations, showing extreme disregard for workers’ basic rights and the rule of law;
  • Innovating to protect workers who are not covered by traditional labor laws; and
  • Protecting workers in a digital world.

Attorney General Schneiderman encourages every worker who feels that his/her rights have been violated to contact the Office of the Attorney General’s Labor Bureau by calling (212) 416-8700 or visiting the Office of the Attorney General's website at www.ag.ny.gov.

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