APALA assists wage theft investigation

The partnership with Seattle Office of Labor Standards wins over $74,0000 for Ba Mien Seafood Market workers

The following is from APALA Seattle:

SEATTLE, WA (December 3, 2025) — Since the beginning of 2024, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance Seattle has worked with Seattle’s Office of Labor Standards to do community outreach and enforcement of worker rights ordinances. APALA is the Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) constituency group of the AFL-CIO. APALA Seattle members Thu-Van, Paul and Amy assisted in an investigation into alleged violations of Seattle’s Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) and Wage Theft Ordinances at Ba Mien Seafood Market by providing culturally appropriate services to the immigrant Vietnamese workforce, resulting in a settlement totaling $74,581.92 in financial remedies for 98 employees. 

“We know how difficult it can be for our communities to come forward and report violations, especially when fear, language barriers, and power dynamics are at play. That’s why it’s important for workers to know their rights and that they are not alone in this fight. We must continue pushing for culturally grounded approaches including in-language materials and outreach so that all workers are supported and empowered,” said Amy Leong, APALA Seattle.

Photo: Leung Cho Pan

As part of the settlement agreement, APALA hosted in-language educational workshops for Ba Mien Seafood Market workers to understand their rights as City of Seattle workers. APALA continues to host monthly educational workshops open to all to ensure the resources are accessible for all to protect their rights, uphold accountability and strengthen the broader labor movement.

“When outreach, education and enforcement come together, we uphold workers’ rights and ensure businesses comply with Seattle’s labor laws,” said OLS Director, Steven Marchese. “It can be difficult for workers to come forward with complaints due to work or personal circumstances. That’s why we are committed to work with trusted Community Outreach and Education Fund (COEF) partners like APALA who help overcome language and cultural barriers to make sure workers’ most fundamental rights like access to paid sick and safe time and protections from wage theft are respected.”

For information on hosting a workers’ rights education session, asking questions, or filing a complaint, please contact Amy Leong at apalawa@gmail.com.