Aug. 14: Support immigrant workers

(Malabar demonstration)

Andolan: Organizing South Asian Workers and Youth Solidarity Summer (YSS) are joining forces to denounce the exploitation of immigrant workers at Dimple Restaurant!

Join us in demanding justice!!

Sunday Aug. 14, 12pm
Dimple Restaurant
72-31 37th Ave (near Broadway & Roosevelt)
Jackson Heights, Queens
(subway: E/F/G/R/V/7 to 74th St-Broadway)

A former Dimple chef, Mahesh Sharma, is taking a stand against the restaurant for exploiting workers and violating basic labor laws, by paying below minimum wage, not paying overtime, and unlawfully withholding wages.

Dimple is a popular Indian restaurant that is taking advantage of fellow South Asian immigrants as well as immigrant workers from other communities. Mr. Sharma worked 80-95 hours per week for 3 years -- getting paid for less than the minimum wage and in violation of New York state and federal overtime laws.

Mr. Sharma was not paid for his first week of work; instead, his wages were withheld as a "security deposit." In addition to his extremely long hours, he worked in dangerous conditions in the kitchen. In January 2003, the restaurant stopped paying him altogether. After three weeks of not being paid, he was forced to quit.

Mr. Sharma is suing for back wages owed to him, and he has faced ongoing harrassment from the owners and their lawyers since filing the suit. "I am not bringing the lawsuit for myself -- but to show how Dimple restaurant abuses all the employees," says Sharma. "This is for the others who are still suffering but are scared to come forward. I am not scared. I just want justice."

These are standard conditions faced by workers at Dimple - and some are paid even less. Unfortunately, these abuses are all too common in restaurants all over New York.

The South Asian community and allies are united in the struggle against the exploitation of low-wage immigrant workers. Too often, South Asian immigrant workers suffer at the hands of greedy owners within our own community.

We must stand together to fight against the abuse of workers at Dimple and send a clear message to other restaurants that all workers must be treated fairly, with dignity and respect. We demand justice from these abusive employers!