New Bedford (AP) -- The former owners of a New Bedford leather goods factory raided last year by immigration agents will pay $850,000 to workers -- including illegal immigrants -- to settle a lawsuit claiming the company violated wage laws, attorneys said Tuesday.
Michael Bianco Inc. will pay more than $600,000 to 764 former employees for unpaid wages and overtime to settle the lawsuit filed in May 2007. The remaining money will go for such things as legal fees and contributions to community groups that work with immigrants.
"This agreement should send a message to other companies that they have to follow labor laws regardless of workers' immigration status," said Audrey Richardson, an attorney at Greater Boston Legal Services, which filed the lawsuit.
2008 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
http://wbz.com/New-Bedford-factory-raided-by-ICE-settles-worker-l/3341348
Talk about karma . . . ..
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