M. v. Villa Trina Food Corporation

Index No. 1767-05 (N.Y. Sup. Ct., Bronx County, filed June 6, 2005) ; Clearinghouse Number: 55904

Description

Janitors Locked in Stores During Overnight Shifts Sue Store Owners in Tort

Abstract

Three night-shift janitors who cleaned C-Town grocery stores in the Bronx are suing stores’ owners and managers for locking them in the stores during their cleaning shifts. Plaintiffs allege that defendants routinely locked them in the stores from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. with no telephone access, no key to get out, and no functioning emergency exits. Defendants required them to use electric and propane-fueled cleaning equipment and harsh cleaning fluids, which heightened the risk of fire or injury, plaintiffs said. Plaintiffs allege that the practice is endemic to New York City’s grocery industry. Working in fear of being trapped in the store in the event of an emergency caused plaintiffs emotional distress and physical injury. Claiming false imprisonment, negligence, gross negligence, intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress, and violation of state workplace safety laws, plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, compensatory and punitive damages, and costs.

Additional Information

Attorney Information
Plaintiffs represented by Amy Carroll, Workplace Justice Project, MFY Legal Services, 299 Broadway Ave., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10007 (212.417.3791).
Docket Date
2005-06-06 00:00:00+00:00
Attorney Email
acarroll@mfy.org