Twelve canvassers sued Mike Lawler in federal court on Friday, accusing his campaign and seven other defendants of wage violations, discrimination and retaliation. The case was filed in the Southern District of New York and centers on work the plaintiffs say they did in Westchester County.
The workers said they were recruited from Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, Maryland and Michigan in September to canvass in Westchester County. In the complaint, they said they were promised $2 a door, $1,500 to $3,000 in weekly base pay, bonuses, housing and travel coverage.
Westchester County canvassing claims
According to the complaint, that pitch changed at orientation. The plaintiffs said they were told they would receive $1 per door without guaranteed pay, and that they had to knock on 100 doors a day to keep their accommodation.
The lawsuit says the canvassers worked 70 to 84 hours each week without minimum wages or overtime. Bernardette Hurtte-Reid alleged she was paid just $275, while Sceletia Evans said she received no payment at all.
Donald Trump backs Mike Lawler
The complaint also described alleged racist, ageist and religious discrimination. The suit had not been adjudicated, and no findings of wrongdoing had been made.
The timing gave the case added weight. Donald Trump called Lawler a “true America First Patriot” and a “Strong Champion” and wrote, “Mike Lawler has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election.”
Max Tani reported that the campaign was “revoking all RSVPs and press credentials from reporters” in response to the story. That left the lawsuit moving through federal court while Lawler faced election day against Cait Conley on Tuesday.
