Immigrants denounce labor violations at Subway

Man Emigrated to the U.S. and Worked at Subway.

He Worked Without Official Salary.

Investigation for Labor Violations.

Khadengra Subedi emigrated to the United States, and his first job was at a Subway in San Francisco.

A Nepalese father of two, Subedi needed to earn money and accepted the job.

During the nine months he worked there last year, he never received official wages.

He was paid $14 an hour in cash, and some months the payments were delayed.

Often Couldn’t Take Breaks at Subway

Labor Violations at Subway: Immigrants Affected / Photo: Shutterstock

He often couldn’t take breaks, not even to go to the bathroom.

“It was the first time I arrived in the United States,” he told NBC News.

“I didn’t know about the minimum wage, overtime, or sick pay,” he added.

Now, the California Labor Commissioner’s Office is investigating that Subway franchise.

They are also investigating six other Subways for violations of employees’ labor rights.

Many employees claim they were paid below minimum wage or not paid at all.

Related: 13 immigrants tortured and burned by cartels rescued on the Mexican border

Jobs in fast food and services are common among immigrants in the United States.

Especially for those who do not speak English fluently.

Previous lawsuits and investigations highlight a pattern of abuse against immigrant workers.

The issue came to light when a worker contacted Workers United last year.

The union partnered with Legal Aid at Work, which provides free legal services to workers.

So far, ten former Subway workers have contacted the union. The union estimates that 25 workers have been affected by these practices in the last three years.

One of those victims is Hispanic Monica Ramirez, 50.

Ramirez stated, “There were no breaks. I just worked nonstop until closing time,” she told Telemundo about her time at Subway.

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Labor Violations at Subway: Immigrants Affected / PHOTO: MundoNOW