Chants in Spanish and English filled the street outside the Bakery el Quiche in Providence Thursday afternoon as former employees and labor allies called on the owner of the bakery, Byron Juarez, to be held accountable. His workers report that for many years he has paid them less than minimum wage and that they have been required to work 70-90 hours a week, 7 days a week, with no overtime pay. They also report that they were not allowed to have a break during their long hours as mandated by Rhode Island law. The crowd dmenaded that Mr. Juarez immediately pay his workers their full hours plus overtime and apologize to them for taking advantage of them. They also want him to sign a Code of Conduct that commits him to comply with all labor laws from now on.
As people passed by and took flyers, many commented that wage theft is common for many workers (both documented and undocumented) and that they were so glad to see someone finally being held accountable.
The protests will continue today. The state Department of Labor has also begun an investigation.
The event was organized by Fuerza Laboral. They can be reached at 401-725-2700.
No comments:
Post a Comment