Thursday, February 11, 2010.

Chinese and Latino Garment Workers hold press conference and protest outside the Time Warner Center at 10 Columbus Circle

Latino and Chinese workers protested today, February 11, against Cache, Inc., the luxury women’s retail and manufacturer chain. They also announced a federal lawsuit filed against Cache, Inc. 

Cache workers were joined by workers from Liberty Apparel, Great Wall factories, and other supporters of the Ain't I A Woman?!  Campaign¹ demanding that Cache take responsibility for their wrongdoing and compensate the workers. They also are calling for  stronger manufacturer and retailer accountability legislation.

New York State Senator Tom Duane, who could not be there, in a strong message of support said "Cache, despite being a nationwide, publicly traded compnay which maintains multi-million dollar revenue, appears to persist in denying these workers sick leave, overtime pay, and even minimum wage, and retaliates against those who seek basic rights with unjust dismissals.."

Also present in solidarity were members from The National Organization for Women (NOW) and Democracy for NYC members Bruce Rosen and Bernadette Evangelist. The workers are being represented in the civil lawsuit by legal counsel from the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) and David Polk & Wardwell LLP.

¹The Ain’t I A Woman?! Campaign is a national outreach and educational effort led by women workers to demand those benefiting the most off of sweatshop labor are held accountable, from garment factories to home healthcare to offices. In the past, our campaign has recovered millions of dollars in backpay from companies such as DKNY, Tracy Evans, Kate Warner, Street Beat Sportswear, Odd & Evens, and many more. 

From left to right:  Marching protesters, press conference, spokesperson from NOW, Bruce Rosen from DFNYC.