NY Dept. of Labor recovers $270K in unpaid wages for domestic worker

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — After being severely underpaid for three years, a domestic worker has received her due in one of the largest wage recoveries in the history of the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL).

NYSDOL announced on Thursday that its Division of Labor Standards returned $271,527 in unpaid wages to the victim.

The individual was hired to serve as a domestic worker and companion to Habib Tawil and Charles Tawil's mother in Brooklyn. Her duties included bathing, changing and feeding the mother as well household tasks ,such as cleaning and laundry.

Between 2015-2018, the woman worked on average 115 hours per week and was paid $260 weekly, which is $2.26 per hour. She reported that sometimes she went months without pay. The victim also spoke about her experience being the sole caretaker and company for the mother.

“In the end, when the years passed, they no longer brought food, I had to look after her alone and I was often going hungry. I was there all day and all night with her. There was no one going to visit. No nurses. No one came by. And I would let Mr. Habib know, but they wouldn't come. They wouldn't visit her,” she said.

The woman was relieved from her position after the mother passed away. She then reported the unpaid wages to the Division of Labor Standards.

The Division notified the employers numerous times between 2018 and 2021. The family estate did not release the funds until June 16, 2022, which have since been distributed to the victim.

NYSDOL Commissioner Roberta Reardon emphasized the agency's zero-tolerance policy for withheld wages and commended the woman for reporting her case.

“Withholding rightfully-earned wages from workers is unacceptable, and won't be tolerated in New York State,” Reardon said. “I applaud this victim for coming forward and hope her story inspires others to act. It is our mission to safeguard the rights of all workers in New York State. If you feel you are entitled to unpaid wages, please reach out to us so we can help.”

NYSDOL also connected the victim with its Division of Immigrant Policies and Affairs (DIPA), who worked with the consulate in the victim's home country to fulfill her request of returning home to her family.

DIPA supports immigrants and helps them integrate into the workforce, while ensuring the services, programs and protections of the Department of Labor are available to all workers – including the large and growing group of people who work in or move to New York from another country.

Assistance from DIPA and additional information about the division can be accessed on their website or via their hotline at: (877) 466-9757.

DIPA also coordinates NYSDOL's anti-human trafficking and victim support efforts. Both the federal government and the New York State government have passed laws that criminalize human trafficking and provide services for victims.

Forced labor includes the following:

• Being told you must work to pay off debt;
• Being promised benefits – such as a green card – that you do not receive;
• Having your ID, passport, or employment contract kept from you by your employer;
• Being threatened physically or with police or immigration action if you do not work;
• Experiencing harm at the hands of an employer.

To report labor trafficking, request certifications for U or T visas, or schedule a Human Trafficking awareness presentation, call the Division of Immigrant Policies and Affairs at 877-466-9757 or email [email protected].

NYSDOL investigates and assists with recovering not only unpaid wages but also illegal deductions, tip appropriation and unpaid benefits such as wage supplements – including vacation/holiday pay, paid sick leave, expense reimbursement, and more. For more information, including how to file a claim, visit https://dol.ny.gov/unpaidwithheld-wages-and-wage-supplements.