Support Workers in Newburgh Fired for Organizing!

1. People have the right to organize
2. The community should support those who stand up for our rights.

Public Advocacy - Civil Rights and Liberties

Support Newburgh Factory Workers Fired for Organizing!

Sixteen workers were fired for courageously standing up for their rights. Now they are out of a job and are struggling to care for their families.

They need your solidarity and support!

Make a donation now!!

ALL DONATIONS WILL GO TO AFFECTED WORKERS

Or join us at our fundraiser

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND 2:30 PM

SCREENING OF EMMY AWARD WINNING DOCUMENTARY

MADE IN LA
(Description Below)

Preview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr1A Bz65hXI

Please join us at this screening and fundraiser to support immigrant factory workers who have been fired for organizing for better working conditions (more below).

LOCATION
Church of the Good Shepherd
271 Broadway
Corner of Broadway and Mill St.
Newburgh, NY

For more information call the Workers’ Rights Law Center at (845) 331-6615 or email pschell@wnylc.com

MADE IN LA
Made in L.A. follows the remarkable story of three Latina immigrants working in Los Angeles garment sweatshops as they embark on a three-year odyssey to win basic labor protections from trendy clothing retailer Forever 21. Compelling, humorous, deeply human, Made in L.A. is a story about immigration, the power of unity, and the courage it takes to find your voice.

BACKGROUND ON THE NEWBURGH WORKERS’ CAMPAIGN
On Monday and Tuesday, September 29th and 30th, workers marched to the boss with a list of approximately forty signatures of people who support forming a union with the Teamsters Local 445 in Newburgh. Simultaneously, they filed a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) with the representation of the Workers’ Rights Law Center of New York, Inc. and notified the employer of the action. Just two days later, on Wednesday, October 1st, at least ten workers, who had signed on to the petition in support of the union, were fired from their jobs. Since then the workers have been subjected to an atmosphere of harassment and intimidation and 6 more workers who had signed on to the petition have been fired. At least one of the workers was told by her supervisor, Gloria, “If war is what you want, then war is what you will get.”

The workers recent efforts to better their working conditions have been met with fierce resistance. But these firings and attempts at intimidation are in direct violation of the law. The Workers’ Rights Law Center has filed an anti-retaliation complaint with OSHA and Teamsters Local 445 has filed anti-retaliation charges with the National Labor Relations Board.

The majority of workers at Concept Packaging are immigrant women and some of them have worked for over twenty years rarely earning more than the minimum wage. Workers are involved in mixing, bottling and packaging some of the most toxic items found in the home. Many employees work in enclosed areas with no ventilation. Workers have experienced symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloody noses, asthma, chronic flu-like symptoms, and dizziness.

In August, one worker collapsed at work, suffering respiratory arrest and partial paralysis of his arm and face. After the employer refused to call an ambulance, his co-workers called on his behalf. When he tried to return to work, he was fired. Another worker was hospitalized after experiencing similar conditions. Just a few weeks ago, a third worker had acetone splashed all over his face and in his eyes.

They will not take this injustice lying down and will continue to organize. They need your support!

WAMC radio:
http://www.publicbroadcasting.ne...

Times Herald Record:
http://www.recordonline.com/apps...