New York Task Force On Worker Exploitation Holds First Public Meeting

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A new task force on worker exploitation in New York state is getting down to business.

The group was created by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and focuses on wage theft and unsafe work conditions, and specifically on industries in which workers may fear reporting exploitation because of the risk of retaliation.

"Our administration is taking aggressive steps to protect workers and combat exploitation, and today we continue our progress in that fight," Cuomo said in a statement. "I want all employers across the state to hear this message loud and clear: we will not tolerate worker exploitation, period."

Alphonso David, counsel to the Democratic governor, lead the first public meeting, which was held Wednesday morning in New York City.

"For too long this industry has been unregulated and this leaves this industry with conditions that are ripe for exploitation and raises the levels of abuse for many domestic workers," domestic worker Alison Gillian told officials.

So far, the task force has opened investigations into 30 employers including restaurants, delis, supermarkets, housecleaning companies, landscaping services and car washes. They stand accused of violating child labor laws, stealing wages, tips and overtime pay, and retaliating against employees who complain of wage and workplace violations, according to Cuomo's office.

Cuomo announced the task force earlier this year after allegations of exploitation at nail salons.

For more information about the task force and how to come forward and help combat worker exploitation, click here.

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