Date of publication: February 12, 2009
Source: Press Release
Author: Chinese Staff & Workers' Association
Federal Court decision to change the future of New York's fashion industry
WHAT: Press Conference
WHEN: Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 2:00pm
WHERE: Chinese Staff & Workers' Association 55-59 Chrystie St., 2nd Fl (between Hester and Canal St.), Manhattan Chinatown
Workers are announcing the Federal Court decision in the jury trial of Zheng v. Liberty Apparel that will have a huge impact throughout the fashion industry. The case was presided over by Judge Richard Sullivan at the Southern District of New York Federal Court. The jury found in favor of the 25 garment workers for claims of flagrant labor violations. In the findings, they declared that manufacturer Liberty Apparel and its owners Albert Nigri and Hagai Laniado knew about the sweatshop conditions in their factories. Moreover, the jury found that Liberty Apparel had functional control over the terms and conditions of their subcontracted workers. Workers were awarded nearly $600,000 in damages. This decision will set a legal precedent for manufacturers to be held accountable to their subcontracted workers.
The workers will be joined by their lawyers as well as other garment workers and supporters of Chinese Staff & Workers' Association and National Mobilization Against Sweatshops.