WORKER VICTORY: Boba chain and noodle factory workers win back stolen wages
We’re celebrating two recent worker victories! At a boba chain, young workers spoke out against wage theft, resulting in 77 workers winning $108k in stolen wages!
“I often had to work beyond my scheduled hours, but my paychecks never reflected any overtime compensation. I was afraid to take sick leave when I wasn’t feeling well because no one in the workplace had ever received paid sick leave. I was too afraid to question my employer.” – Boba Shop Worker
Meanwhile, at a noodle factory, immigrant workers won back their stolen wages after speaking up against wage theft.
“I was too scared to speak up before, but I wanted to do something. After a lot of encouragement we spoke up and the boss did not fire us for that. Our actions worked, the boss was warned that he could not retaliate against workers, and we were successfully able to assert our rights.” – Noodle Factory Worker Xiufeng
Even in this climate of fear and pressure, these courageous workers showed what is possible when we come together and stand up for what is right. Workers from all generations and walks of life who serve staples in the Asian American community and beyond, fought for their dignity so that they and other working people like them know that when we fight, we win the rights we deserve. These stories also show how important it is for workers to connect with community organizations so they have the resources they need to take collective action.
How they won:
Outreach: Workers found out about CPA and other organizations who help fight for workers’ rights in their native languages through flyering, and then through word of mouth.
Organizing: Workers at both shops encouraged their colleagues to speak out and that workers are stronger in numbers. Courage is contagious!
Filed a Complaint: Boba shop employees worked with the SF Office of Labor Standards Enforcement (OLSE) to secure back wages.
Protecting workers from experiencing wage theft is essential to ensure workers are treated with respect and dignity. Especially now as immigrant communities are being targeted and silenced, it’s critical that we share our rights with each other, and encourage us to speak up when something is not right. We invite you to:
Read and share boba shop worker Ma’s story and noodle factory worker Xiufeng’s story in Sing Tao (Chinese)
Call our workers’ rights hotline and leave a message if you or someone you know might be experiencing wage theft: (415) 391-6986
Make a gift to CPA to support our work building power among immigrant workers to improve their working and living conditions and achieve economic justice.
P.S. San Francisco’s minimum wage just increased to $19.18 per hour, effective on July 1, 2025! Spread the word!
