Workers Call on the Government of China- Make a Pledge to Ensure Businesses from China Comply with U.S. Labor Laws

Today, there are more than 2 million foreign-born Chinese immigrants in the U.S.  The majority are new immigrants who work in the garment industry, restaurants, nail salons, and other low-wage industries. They work long hours, below minimum wage, and often in dangerous sweatshop conditions, which have devastated many workers' lives and health.

But recently, investments from China have been blatantly violating U.S. labor laws. For example, Wu Liang Ye restaurant, a subsidiary of the Chinese-state owned enterprise, was sued by the workers in federal court. This company completely ignored the American law. Even after the federal court issued a judgment, they terminated all the workers who are part of the lawsuit. These practices undermine law-abiding businesses and promote sweatshops in the U.S. On April 12, 2010 workers sent a letter to President Obama urging him to call on other countries to comply with U.S. labor laws when doing business in the U.S.