LABOR: Undocumented Workers Sue Construction Firm

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.courant.com/business/hc-bizdigbrf1224.art0dec24,0,4785386.story

December 24, 2008

A group of undocumented workers filed a lawsuit against a Connecticut construction company, claiming they weren't paid for work they completed at a luxury condominium development in Stamford.

The lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District Court, claims that National Carpentry Contractors Inc. of Stamford promised to pay workers $13 an hour, but then paid them only $10 an hour, and failed to pay overtime above 40 hours per week.

According to the lawsuit, many workers routinely worked 65-hour and 70-hour workweeks.

The plaintiffs, many of whom live in Connecticut, claim the company owes them between two and eight weeks of wages. The lawsuit seeks double their unpaid wages and attorney fees and costs.

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal joined the plaintiffs at a press conference Tuesday, saying he will seek to support or intervene in the group's lawsuit.

"Even if employees are undocumented, they are still protected by state and federal laws that require fair treatment of employees," Blumenthal said.

[NJmaverick]

1. does "undocumented worker" = illegal alien?

[yodoobo]

3. Yes. Just like bank robber = unauthorized withdrawer (nt)

[yodoobo]

2. There are so many things wrong with this one

Both sides of this are criminals.

The company should be forced to immediately pay the illegals what they earned, plus legal expenses and punatives damages.

Then the company should be shutdown for hiring illegals in the first place.

Finally, the illegals should be prosecuted and sent back home.

Man. No wonder we're in such in mess.

[Hydra]

4. This is why the illegals need to go home

And why we need to stop screwing around in Mexico, creating conditions that force them north.

These people aren't always getting paid, they're working in unsafe conditions and they have a constant fear of their employers turning them in.

This is bad for everyone, and needs to stop.