SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — A dozen immigrant workers in Coastal Georgia have been granted a settlement against labor trafficking practices following a court-approved consent judgement with the U.S. Department of Labor.
Migrant Equity Southeast (MESE) announced on Thursday that the California-based Egreen Transportation Corporation will pay over $580,000 in unpaid wages, damages, and other penalties to the workers.
The workers, all Chinese and Latino immigrants, were recruited for work at Egreen and were reportedly denied pay for said work in Georgia, California, and New Jersey warehouses. MESE added that many employees worked 12-hour days and were housed in overcrowded rent-controlled apartments.
“At MESE, we are overjoyed to see justice served and to know these individuals will receive the relief they deserve. This outcome inspires hope and empowers others to stand up for their rights, reinforcing our commitment to a more equitable future," said Daniela Rodriguez, Executive Director of MESE.
The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), a national organization dedicated to protecting the civil rights of Asian American individuals, also reacted to the news.
“Wage theft is unacceptable and illegal,” said Elizabeth Koo, Senior Counsel at AALDEF. “Employers who exploit their workers will be held accountable. We commend these brave workers for coming forward and applaud the Department of Labor for standing up against such severe workplace abuses.”