Migrant Workers Sue Belfor

I read a really interesting article in the Times Picayune about migrants on disaster clean up crews in New Orleans who are alleging unfair work practices and suing three companies, including Belfor USA. According to two lawsuits filed in fedreal court, the companies exploited workers, many who don't speak English, by failing to pay them overtime or, in many cases, failing to pay them at all. The Belfor suit represents more than 1,000 workers, and it is the first complaint of its kind filed in the city in response to the influx of migrant workers arriving to clean, gut and restore buildings. The other lawsuit, against LVI and D&L, represents at least 700 workers. Interestingly, the workers have said that they haven't had any problems with residents of New Orleans, and have actually felt welcomed. Rather, the problem is with companies from other states who have come to New Orleans to help with the clean up. Read the Article Here