Seattle Office of Labor Standards Reaches Settlement with Ba Mien Seafood Market for Alleged Violations of Paid Sick and Safe Time and Wage Theft Ordinances

The Seattle Office of Labor Standards (OLS) investigated Ba Mien Seafood Market, LLC for alleged violations of the Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) and the Wage Theft Ordinances. Ba Mien Seafood Market settled the allegations and agreed to pay a total financial remedy of $74,581.92 to 98 employees and $1,383.74 to the City of Seattle.

OLS alleged that the business failed to provide:

• PSST to its employees
• Employees with a written notice of rights and employer’s policy
• Notification of paid sick and safe time balance
• Employees with written notice of employment information

Ba Mien Seafood Market has one Seattle location and approximately 50 employees.

“When I realized that my rights as a worker were being violated, I felt powerless and uncertain that anything would change. However, in contacting the City of Seattle’s Office of Labor Standards, I found a strong advocate in the OLS which stood up for my coworkers and me by facilitating our employer’s compliance with Seattle’s wage and paid sick time policies,” said a Ba Mien employee. “It was empowering to work with local government to rectify this wrong, and I would strongly recommend that anyone who is having their worker’s rights violated contact the Office of Labor Standards.”

“The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFl-CIO (APALA) Seattle Chapter was proud to partner with the Office of Labor Standards on this investigation to provide culturally appropriate services to the immigrant Vietnamese workforce.  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, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA). “As part of the settlement agreement, APALA will be doing workshops on education workers at Ba Mien Seafood Market. APALA continues to host monthly educational workshops open to all communities 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.”

• Help for workers and the public: to ask a question, file a complaint, or provide information, call 206-256-5297, email laborstandards@seattle.gov, or click here to fill out a worker inquiry web form.  
• Help for employers: for free and private assistance for compliance with Seattle’s labor standards, call 206-256-5297, email laborstandards@seattle.gov or click here to fill out an employer inquiry web form.

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