Is your Gourmet Grocery a Sweatshop?


 

Publication Date: March 2005

Publisher: Brennan Center for Justice

Author(s):

Research Area: Labor

Keywords: Justice; Economic Opportunity; Accountable Development

Type: Report

Abstract:

All across Manhattan, more and more gourmet grocery stores are opening up. They cater to upscale customers looking for quality foods imported cheese, organic vegetables and fresh fruits. Indeed, shopping in these stores can be a wonderful reprieve from the hectic lives we all lead. But caring about our community means caring about the workers who help keep it running every day. The truth about working conditions is often hidden from the publics view. Wages are at poverty levels. The work is long and strenuous. Health insurance is non-existent or unaffordable. And managers are regularly abusive.