
On May Day, International Workers’ Day, restaurant workers at Fat Salmon Sushi announced their campaign for justice at work, demanding an end to all violations of their legal rights and implementation of fair workplace policies.
Today three restaurant workers from Fat Salmon Sushi, rated best sushi in Philadelphia by Philadelphia Magazine, publicly announced their campaign for justice and dignity at work. Fat Salmon Owner, Jack Yoo, will be notified by some of his workers in a written statement documenting the legal violations at their workplace and their demands.
On April 15, three Fat Salmon servers informed their employer that they would be going on strike, due to ongoing wage theft at the restaurant and other legal violations.
Diana A., Jeff S. and Claire T. have been on strike since that time (their names have been concealed for fear of future employment discrimination at the request of the workers).
Since then, four of their co-workers have joined them in demanding fair workplace conditions. Their demands include ending all illegal practices, such as discriminatory hiring & firing policies and wage theft.
The worker committee statement also includes proactive policies such as promoting from with-in the workforce, compensation for travel to and from work during weather emergencies, and paid sick days.
One of the primary issues the workers are fighting to resolve is an end to wage theft through the withholding of earned tips pursuant to the passage of a series of tests.
“I have been working as a server at Fat Salmon for two years and I have never received the entire amount of my tips.” said Jeff S., a Fat Salmon server.
“All servers are subject to tests on a monthly basis and in order to receive 100% of our tips, we must pass four tests. I passed all four tests and still didn’t receive my full wage. I was then subject to verbal quizzes at my boss’ whim” said Jeff S.
The workers chose not to simply quit because they wanted to make Fat Salmon a better place to work. “We don’t want to ruin the business. We just want it to be a fair business.” Stated Claire T., Fat Salmon server for 1 year.
“We work hard and deserve to be paid what we are owed and treated with respect. I’m confident we can reach a resolution that is recognizes the dignity of workers and is good for business” further stated Diana A., Fat Salmon server of 1 year.
Some of the workers will finish up the day by attending the May Day picnic at Elmwood Park in South West Philadelphia.
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