Storied Tavern on the Green Says No More Wild Edibles
Submitted on Sun, 08/17/2008 - 11:40pm
For Immediate Release:
Brandworkers International
Contact: press (at) brandworkers.org
Tavern on the Green Stops Serving Wild Edibles Seafood Over Workers' Rights
Concerns
Legendary Central Park restaurant is the latest to drop Wild Edibles until
it settles a year-long dispute with workers
August 11, 2008
New York, NY- Tavern on the Green, one of the nation's highest-grossing
restaurants, has stopped serving seafood from wholesaler and retailer, Wild
Edibles, Inc. over concern for employee rights. Wild Edibles workers and their
allies have been campaigning for almost a year to reclaim stolen overtime pay;
to compel compliance with workplace laws including the right to support a labor
union; and to win a more livable wage as well as a health care and retirement
plan.
"A sustainable and responsible food system includes respect for workers'
rights," said Daniel Gross, the founding director of Brandworkers, a non-profit
organization providing legal and advocacy support to the Wild Edibles
employees. "We are very pleased that a New York landmark like Tavern on the
Green has disassociated itself from the labor rights violations at Wild
Edibles."
While Wild Edibles has filed for Chapter 11 protection, the company
continues to operate its business as it works its way out of bankruptcy. The
Wild Edibles workers have vowed to continue the campaign until they win the
respect they are seeking.
When Wild Edibles workers demanded the overtime pay which had been
illegally withheld from them and respect for the right to join a union, owner
Richard Martin embarked on a relentless campaign of retaliation including firing
or forcing out eleven of the workers. A federal judge hit Wild Edibles with an
injunction against further retaliation which the company quickly proceeded to
violate. The workers' lawyers have filed a motion asking the judge to find the
company in contempt of court for not respecting the injunction. In addition, the
National Labor Relations Board has issued two complaints against the company for
interfering with the workers' efforts to form a union with the Industrial
Workers of the World.
Tavern on the Green joins a growing list of top restaurants that have
dropped Wild Edibles over concern for workers' rights. Those restaurants
include Pastis, Union Square Cafe, La Goulue, Mermaid Inn, Giorgione, Sushi
Samba, One if by Land, Two if by Sea, China Grill, and Kittichai.
Brandworkers International is a non-profit organization that empowers
retail and food employees with legal, advocacy, and organizing tools. The
Brandworkers Focus on the Food Chain initiative promotes worker justice along
the food supply chain. Focus on the Food Chain is providing comprehensive
support to twenty-four current and former Wild Edibles employees.