This litigation had a life-changing impact on our clients. For instance, prior to the settlement, plaintiff Meng Yongjun went abroad each year to earn $900 per month doing construction work, but still struggled to support his family. He now has paid back the loan sharks who lent him money to work in Saipan and has built new homes for his three children. Wang Tianming was only 27 years old when his leg was engulfed by fire on the IPI site. Upon returning to China, he was living with his parents, unable to work or provide for his daughter. Seeing his elderly father perform construction work while he was immobilized at home caused him immense shame. But, after the settlement, Wang repaid his debts, purchased his own house, bought a car so that he can get around his town, and now he is the one supporting his daughter and parents.
In the case of Han, he could no longer do construction work after his injury and so he was working as a janitor for $150 per month, leaving him further in debt. He has now repaid the loan sharks, hired a tutor for his son, and pays for his father’s caretaker and mother’s dialysis. In reflecting on how he no longer worries about expenses, he remarked that, “I never imagined that our family could experience this feeling.”
Yet, the transformation amongst these clients was not only economic. When I first met these workers in Saipan, they were terrified of their employers, afraid to complain, and felt utterly disenfranchised. After learning of their legal rights, they protested in the streets of Saipan for their wages and told federal authorities that they would not return to China until they were paid. The mere act of bringing this forced labor against very powerful, well-connected defendants is itself an act of incredible courage. And the plaintiffs’ willingness to persist with the litigation after returning to China—where they were harassed and threatened to drop the lawsuit—is further testament to their bravery.
UPDATE 06.21.23:
Aaron’s blog post above details how Imperial Pacific participated in a forced labor and human trafficking scheme to find Chinese immigrants to build its casino. A pending class action lawsuit alleges that Imperial Pacific next hired construction workers from a variety of countries, but discriminated against the Turkish workers by paying them less than Taiwanese and Italian workers in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
Felecia Phillips Ollie DD (h.c.) is the inspiring leader and founder of The Equality Network LLC (TEN). With a background in coaching, travel, and a career in news, Felecia brings a unique perspective to promoting diversity and inclusion. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Communications, she is passionate about creating a more inclusive future. From graduating from Mississippi Valley State University to leading initiatives like the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program, Felecia is dedicated to making a positive impact. Join her journey on our blog as she shares insights and leads the charge for equity through The Equality Network.
