Group offers free legal advice for Asian immigrant workers in US

With Asian immigrant workers subject to “widespread wage violations" in the United States, an organization advocating the rights of Asian Americans is offering free legal advice in line with the National Days of Action Against Wage Theft on Nov. 17 to 20.
What is wage theft?
Some of the most common examples of wage theft occur because workers do not know the laws that most employers in New York and New Jersey must follow.

How well do you know your rights?

1. Minimum wage

Did you know that most workers in New York and New Jersey must be paid at least $7.25 an hour for the first 40 hours they work in one week?

2. Overtime

Did you know that most workers in New York and New Jersey must be paid 1.5 times their regular rate of pay for every hour they work over 40 hours?

3. Delayed paycheck

Did you know that all workers have a right to be paid regularly and on time, regardless of economic conditions at their workplace?

4. Meal breaks

Did you know that many workers in New York who work more than six consecutive hours must be given at least one meal break?

5. Paycheck deductions.

Did you know that employers are generally not allowed to deduct damage, loss, or the cost of tools or transportation from workers’ paychecks? Read more

In a statement, the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) cited a 2008 study, which said Asian immigrant workers suffered the highest rate of overtime violations of any racial group with 85 percent.

“Undocumented workers and workers with limited English proficiency are disproportionately affected by wage theft. Many do not know that US minimum wage, overtime, and other basic protections apply to all workers, regardless of their immigration status," said Shirley Lin, a staff lawyer at AALDEF.

Established in 1974, AALDEF provides free legal advice to Asian immigrant workers and represents them in lawsuits for unpaid wages and other wage theft violations.

For assistance and information, contact Lin at (212) 966-5932 ext. 220 or slin@aaldef.org, or AALDEF program associate Elizabeth Koo at (212) 966-5932 ext. 215 or ekoo@aaldef.org. — Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/KG, GMA News

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