The Seattle Office of Labor Standards (OLS) recently settled allegations with Ba Mien Seafood Market after an investigation uncovered potential infractions of Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) and Wage Theft Ordinances. The market has agreed to pay $74,581.92 to 98 workers, along with $1,383.74 to the City of Seattle, according to a press release from the city.
The allegations stemmed from OLS's claim that Ba Mien Seafood Market did not provide its roughly fifty employees with PSST, mandatory written notice of rights, employer's policy, and even notification of their sick and safe time balances. Amid realizing their rights were being sidelined, an employee told seattle.gov, "When I realized that my rights as a worker were being violated, I felt powerless and uncertain that anything would change." They found reassurance in the OLS, which aided them and their coworkers in enforcing compliance with the labor laws of Seattle.
The settlement highlights the critical roles that community organizations play in protecting workers' rights. Amy Leong from the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) Seattle Chapter highlighted the significance of collaboration, stating to seattle.gov that they were "proud to partner with the Office of Labor Standards on this investigation to provide culturally appropriate services to the immigrant Vietnamese workforce." APALA aims to continue educating workers and will be conducting workshops at Ba Mien Seafood Market, as part of the settlement's terms, to inform employees on their rights. Additionally, APALA hosts monthly educational workshops, ensuring that such resources remain accessible.
Celebrating the partnership's success, OLS Director Steven Marchese emphasized the importance of outreach, education, and enforcement, commenting that these combined efforts undergird workers’ rights and business compliance with Seattle’s labor laws. Dedicated to overcoming language and cultural barriers, Marchese told seattle.gov, these initiatives respect "workers most fundamental rights like access to paid sick and safe time and protections from wage theft." Workers seeking assistance or wishing to file a complaint can contact the OLS, while employers can reach out for compliance assistance through various city-provided channels.
