May 15, 2016
On May 2, 2016, the Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles (Advancing Justice-LA) and the law firm Latham & Watkins LLP filed a lawsuit on behalf of 11 Filipino workers suing against their former employers for human trafficking, RICO violations, and violations of federal and state labor, retaliation, and whistleblower laws.
On May 2, 2016, Judge Fernando M. Olguin of the United States District Court for the Central District of California ruled in favor of the 11 Filipino workers. The ruling awarded the plaintiffs 15. 2 million in damages and fees.
Advancing Justice-LA has also secured special immigration status for the workers as victims of human trafficking, which also provides work authorization so the workers can begin rebuilding their lives and reunite with their families.
Organizations mentioned/involved: Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Los Angeles (Advancing Justice-LA)