 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 26, 2009
CONTACT: Brian O’Shaughnessy,
Mobile: 518/ 526-2662 or
Martha Schultz, Mobile: 518/ 698-3365.
E-mail: marthas@labor-religion.org
DURING 40-HOUR FAST, NEW YORKERS TO CALL FOR END OF “WAGE THEFT”
Failure to pay wages legally owed is a violation of the seventh commandment, “Thou shalt not steal,” according to author Kim Bobo who will introduce a national wage theft campaign to the Capital Region at a news conference opening the Coalition’s 14th annual “40 Hour FAST” at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 85 Chestnut Street in Albany. Parking is available from Chestnut St.
Under the umbrella of the fast’s “Coming Together for the Common Good” theme, Kim Bobo will be joined by Labor-Religion Coalition Co-Chairs, Bishop Howard Hubbard of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany and Richard Iannuzzi, president of New York State United Teachers.
"We are asking individuals and groups across the state to fast in solidarity with workers. The common good requires an end to wage theft, a shrinking of the wage gap and increased attention to “the least among us,” said Brian O’Shaughnessy, statewide Labor-Religion Coalition Executive Director. “More than ever, people need every dollar they earn.”
Wage theft is a term that includes nonpayment of wages, failure to pay overtime, payment of sub-minimum wages, tip-stealing and other such violations.
The FAST, a statewide event, invites all New Yorkers to go without solid food for all or part of the 40 hours that begin at 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4 and end at noon on Friday, March 6. During their fasting, participants are encouraged to “hunger for justice,” with a special focus on workers who are victims of wage theft. Local labor-religion coalitions and congregations are organizing events during the 40 hours. In Ithaca, community members will describe the effects of the current recession on themselves and their families at a public witness event, “Looking Out for Each Other: Nurturing Compassion & Solidarity in Hard Times.” A free screening of the documentary “Waging a Living” will open the FAST in Buffalo. In Albany a Pre-FAST meal and panel discussion will feature Kim Bobo, representatives of the NYS Department of Labor and Pastor Gladys M. Vidor of Damascus Community Services. “Wage Theft and What We Can Do About It” will be held at Chapel House, University at Albany at 6 p.m. on March 4. Visit www.labor-religion.org for information about these and other fast-related activities.
-30-
Last Updated:03/02/2009
© Labor-Religion Coalition of New York State
