News
Happy New Year
Monday December 19, 2011
We wish you a happy new year, from all of us at Fuerza Laboral! We look forward to seeing you at our events and activities in 2012.
**The office will be closed between December 26 - January 13**
Celebrate 5 Years With Us - November 18 - Buy your tickets now!
Friday September 23, 2011
We cordially invite you to celebrate our first 5 years with dancing, food, and presentations on our victories.
Friday, November 18, 2011
6pm-12am
***Featuring the fabulous DJ Salsa Stereo spinning the best merengue, bachata, salsa, and American hits. With a LIVE performance by Latin reggae artist Rabbit (El Conejo)***
Portuguese Social Club
131 School Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860
Large parking lot ❺ Exit 28 from 95 North or 27 from 95 South
Food is included with the ticket price ❺ Cash bar
Tickets: $10 in advance, $15 at the door
Call us at 401.725.2700 with questions or to buy tickets,
Click here to buy tickets using your credit card. Be sure to enter your full name so that we can hold your tickets at the door.
Labor Rights Week - this week!
Monday August 29, 2011
Join Fuerza Laboral at one of the Labor Rights Week events below. All events are organized by the Guatemalan General Consulate and are a great opportunity to learn more about workers rights!
Saturday, August 27, 2011, 10am-12 noon: Inaugural Event, Chelsea Collaborative (318 Broadway Street, Chelsea, MA 02150)
Sunday, August 28, 2011, 4pm-8pm: Interview on People's Radio 1490 AM in Springfield, MA
Monday, August 29, 2011, 2pm-4pm: Interview on WTCC 90.7 FM of Springfield, MA
Tuesday, August 30, 2011, 6pm-8pm: Info Fair in the Biblical Institute (370 Hartford Ave., Providence, RI 02909)
Thursday, September 1, 2011, 6pm-8pm: Info Fair in Progreso Latino (626 Broad Street, Central Falls, RI 02888)
Friday, September 2, 2011, 6pm-8pm: Closing Events in the Guatemalan General Consulate (555 Valley Street, Providence, RI 02908)
Join Us! Family Picnic, July 30
Friday June 24, 2011
Dear friends,
We invite you to join us for a fun day of food and games in a beautiful spot near the ocean!
When: Saturday, July 30, 2011, 11am-5pm
Where: Colt State Park (Bristol, RI), click here to see more information on the Park, including directions.
Details: We will have talent contests, potato sack races, traditional foods and many other entertaining activities. Since it is a picnic we will all bring food to share. Some suggestions; Fruit, snacks, traditional foods, hot dogs, hamburgers, salads, sodas, or any other kind of food you like.
We will have two meeting places: at 10am at the office of Fuerza (127 Clay St., Central Falls). Then we will go to Saint Teresa Church (275 Manton Ave.) to meet up with our members in Providence at 10:30am. From there we will all go to the park in a caravan.
Please call us to RSVP by Monday, July 25: 401.725.2700
Fuerza - and the problem of wage theft - in the News
Friday June 17, 2011
Elias Cabrera says he worked as a cook, seven days a week for nearly three years, at an Olneyville fast-food restaurant but never got paid overtime.
Cabrera testified before a legislative committee that his former employer owes him $12,214.50 all told. That includes not being paid for his final week, during which he worked 57 hours, Cabrera said.
“When I went to ask for the money from my work, what I got were insults and threats, and also my former boss saying not to return there,” Cabrera alleged to the House Labor Committee on Tuesday.
For the full story, click here.
Friday June 10, 2011
OSHA at Fuerza
Monday May 16, 2011
Protect yourself: You have the right to a safe and healthy work place!
Saturday, May 21, 2011, 3pm-5pm. MaryAnn Medeiros, OSHA
Compliance Assistance Specialist, will present information on the laws
that regulate your right to a safe and healthy work place. In addition,
we will be giving out certificates to those who have completed our Basic
Workers Rights course. Free babysitting will be available at this event.
Location: Headquarters of Fuerza Laboral, 127 Clay St. Central Falls, RI 02863
For more information, call: Fuerza Laboral 401-725-2700, Contact person: Heiny Maldonado
Thanks everyone!
Monday April 11, 2011
Our Salsa with Fuerza party this past Saturday was a big success! Thank you to everyone who helped organize it, Saint George's Episcopal Church for hosting it, and of course everyone who came to dance and have a good time. You helped strengthen our movement to build the power of workers and immigrants with your presence and your generosity!
Check out photos from the party on our Facebook page! Click here to see them or to join our Facebook group.
And it is not too late to donate! Click here to give.
Salsa with Fuerza!
Tuesday April 5, 2011
Join us on Saturday, April 9, 2011 for a special salsa dance party to have a great time and strengthen a movement with your generosity.
Place: Saint George's Episcopal Church, 12 Clinton Street, Central Falls, RI
6pm-7pm: Salsa lessons with professional dance instructor Emiliano Luna
7pm-11:30pm: Dancing, food, fun
Tickets: $10 ahead of time, $15 at the door
To purchase tickets, please mail your check to Fuerza Laboral (P.O. Box 202, Central Falls, RI 02863), bring cash to the party, or click here to use your credit card:
https://www.justgive.org/nonprofits/donate.jsp?ein=20-5428607
(Be sure to note that the donation is for Salsa with Fuerza)
Fuerza Leaders Meet With US Labor Secretary Hilda Solis
Monday November 22, 2010
As part of a delegation of grassroots leaders of National People's Action, this past Monday November 15th two Fuerza leaders, Shirley Samayoa and Joanna Rodriguez, met with the country's top decision-maker in labor issues: US Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. The meeting focused on alliance building and strengthening enforcement of wage theft. Additionally, Shirley, an ex-Colibri worker, pushed for Sec. Solis to assign a division of the USDOL to enforce the WARN Act, a law that is on the books without anyone responsible for it. We will be following up on this issue.
Check out the USDOL's slideshow from the event, especially the photo of Fuerza leader Shirley speaking about the WARN Act .
Public Meeting: Results and Commitments
Monday September 27, 2010
This past Saturday 116 people came out to a public meeting organized by Fuerza Laboral called: Fuerza Laboral and the US Department of Labor: Solutions to Labor Abuses. Two US DOL investigators attended along with the Regional Deputy Director.
In this meeting, Fuerza Laboral members presented testimony of real abuses occurring in RI workplaces as well as our platform for change. The following commitments were made by local decision makers at our meeting:
1. Rep. Grace Diaz will introduce two legislative proposals against wage theft in the upcoming session. One will provide double-to-triple damages to the aggrieved worker and increase the administrative fines going to the state. The other would make an employer who still refuses to pay within a reasonable time from a guilty verdict by the RI Department of Labor and Training criminally responsible for larceny.
2. Central Falls City Councilman James Diossa pledged to work with Fuerza Laboral in introducing a wage theft ordinance in the city of Central Falls. He will be in communication with organizations and lawmakers in Miami, where such an ordinance has passed already, and New Orleans, where one is in the works.
3. Rep. Bob DaSilva pledged to reintroduce the RI WARN Act in the upcoming session, and Patrick Quinn of SEIU pledged to help it gain traction.
4. Officials from the USDOL will be working more closely with Fuerza Laboral to ensure worker protections.
Fuerza Laboral members also put out a call for the need to stop the abuse of misclassifying workers as independent contractors to later refuse to pay them. Legislation was introduced this year, but it penalizes innocent workers as opposed to unscrupulous employers.
All around the country, organizations like us that are part of National People's Action are meeting with US DOL representatives and preparing for a face-to-face meeting between grassroots worker-leaders and Secretary Hilda Solis in November.
Here is a link to an article in the Providence Journal.
Public Meeting w/ US Dept. of Labor: Presenting Solutions to Labor Abuses
Wednesday September 15, 2010
Date: September 25
Time: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Place: St. George's Episcopal Church,12 Clinton Street, corner of Central St., Central Falls, RI
Fuerza Laboral will present our platform of concrete solutions to end the problem of wage theft and the lack of protections for unemployed workers. Officials from the US Department of Labor in Washington DC will be present. The event is open to all who support the rights of workers! Let's pack the place!
Policy makers are invited to attend and listen to the testimonies, learn about the problems and what steps they can take. We expect several announcements from legislators regarding commitments they will make to ensure workers protections in the coming year.
Respond on Facebook if you can come!
Seeking: Our Next Executive Director
Wednesday August 18, 2010
Fuerza Laboral is seeking candidates to be our next executive director, specifically, someone with experience in organizing and administration, who is fully committed to leadership by the community and who can take our organization to the next level in terms of funding, staffing, systems, membership and victories.
Check out the position profile and application process here.
Tomorrow, Thursday, July 29: National Day of Action Against SB1070
Wednesday July 28, 2010
Stand tall against inhumane immigration policies like what was introduced in Arizona. 12:15 pm: Faith-based rally and vigil. State House Lawn
4 pm People's Rally: Protest Racism from Arizona to RI, Armory Park, at Cranston and Dexter Streets in Providence.
Wage Theft Clinic
Tuesday July 20, 2010
Tonight! (and every first and third Tuesday): Wage Theft Clinic at Fuerza Laboral 6 -7:30 pm. 127 Clay St, Central Falls, RI 02863. If you have worked and been paid with a bad check, underpaid, or not paid at all, come to the clinic to learn how you can fight back and get your pay!
Tuesday July 20, 2010
Thursday June 17, 2010
Take Back Democracy in Central Falls
Monday June 7, 2010
Tonight at 6pm in our office at 127 Clay Street there will be a community forum about the receivership (bankruptcy) of the City of Central Falls. What does this mean for Central Falls residents in terms of local and state representation and essential services? Come find out! Meeting will be bilingual English/ Spanish, and facilitated by a coalition that includes Fuerza Laboral, RI Jobs With Justice, AFSCME, and the Central Falls Firefighters.
UPDATE: Over 130 people particpated in the meeting! Check out press: Providence Journal and Channel 10 NBC.
RI Will Not Be the Next Arizona!
Friday May 21, 2010
Yesterday a coalition of community organizations, including Fuerza Laboral, Olneyville Neighborhood Association, DARE, Providence SDS, Ocean State Action and others responded rapidly to Rep. Peter Palumbo's Arizona-copycat legislation. Over 100 folks of all races, ages and genders took over the floor of the House of Representatives to say, "Never here!" Check out press coverage here.
Fuerza Laboral in the Washington Post
Tuesday May 18, 2010
Today in the pre-dawn hours, Fuerza members returned from the Showdown on K Street, where thousands of everyday people took to the streets to ask our government, Which side are you on? The people or the monied lobbyists and corporations?
Click here for quotes from Fuerza leaders Shirley and Gustavo Samayoa in the Washington Post.
Fuerza in Washington for the Showdown on K Street
Friday May 14, 2010
12 representatives of Fuerza Laboral will board a van at 5am tomorrow to head to Washington DC for the annual National People's Action conference with thousands of community leaders from across the country, sharing strategies and holding decision-makers, banks and corporations accountable. During the Showdown on K Street, we'll take on monied lobbyists and big banks who continue to wreak havoc on our economy and then get bailed out by taxpayers. This year Fuerza Laboral's Theatre Brigade will perform.
May 1st Unity Day
Wednesday May 5, 2010
Fuerza Laboral was among the many diverse organizations that turned out in force for the May 1st Unity Day Rally in front of the RI State House. Three of our leaders had roles in the agenda (click on the names for videos): Shirley Samayoa led a rallying cry for workers to fight back, Joanna Rodriguez inspired all who heard, and Bernardo Chamorro read a moving poem he composed specifically for May First about the surging movement for immigrant rights.
Ready to March!
Thursday March 18, 2010
Over 200 Rhode Islanders will be attending the March for America: Comprehensive Immigration Reform Now in Washington DC this Sunday, March 21.
Fuerza Laboral has been a lead organization in Rhode Island, coordinating with the Immigrants in Action Committee, United We Dream, SEIU, and from New Bedford: Catholic Social Services, the Community Workers' Center, and United Interfaith Action.
We march to hold Obama accountable to his promise to pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform, and to ensure Congress is on board.
Over 100,000 people are expected in D.C. This will be an historical moment!
Direct Action Training in Spanish
Wednesday March 3, 2010
This Saturday, March 6
3pm - 6 pm
127 Clay Street, Central Falls
Free and Open to the Community
(Conducted in Spanish. English trainings at a later date)
Fuerza Laboral will be sharing our methodology of direct action with the goal of growing our rapid-response team, "the Wage Protectors," to end wage theft. Members of this team work together to confront abusive employers.
Come and learn how to plan and carry out a direct action (a protest that gets concrete results). Interactive, fun and important information for these times.
Please call us at 401-725-2700 to confirm your presence. Onward!
Fuerza Leader Speaks to Press about Unscrupulous Employers
Friday February 12, 2010
Today's Providence Journal had an article about Thursday's press conference with the Gillette stadium workers who were picked up in an ICE raid. Don Bernardo Chamorro represented Fuerza Laboral in the press conference and spoke strongly and eloquently about how unscrupulous employers take advantage of the lack of labor law enforcement to exploit workers. Check out the article and video here.
One Year Since Colibri's Closure, the Fight Goes On!
Thursday January 14, 2010
One year ago today, Founders' Equity petitioned for Colibri to enter receivership and Colibri CEO Jim Fleet let his 280 workers know by email that their workplace had closed. Knowing this was a violation of the Federal WARN Act, workers protested, committed civil disobedience, and filed a Federal lawsuit to get justice.
This past Monday, the workers' representative, Attorney Marc Gursky attended a pretrial with the judge and the defendants' lawyers. The judge called for a 60 day discovery period, in which the defendants have to turn over to Marc any materials,documents, or communications relating to the employer relationship. After this time, both parties return to court to try to reach a settlement with the help of a court appointed mediator.
We are pleased to report that the Impact Fund in California has awarded funding specifically to pay for costs associated with the lawsuit. With a dedicated expert lawyer like Marc, and the support of a major legal justice foundation we are confident justice will be done.
Support Comprehensive Immigration Reform!
Friday January 8, 2010
Fuerza Laboral has joined the Reform Immigration FOR America Campaign to achieve comprehensive immigration reform this year. The Campaign has a text message component in which individuals can receive updates on the struggle on their cell phones, and also send electronic faxes to their congresspeople urging their support! Sent the text message "JUSTICE"to #69866 to participate. More info: www.reformimmigrationforamerica.org
Fuerza Laboral at the Showdown in Chicago
Tuesday October 27, 2009
Fuerza Laboral has been at the Showdown in Chicago, organized by National People's Action (of which we're an affiliate member) these past few days--the first organized mass demonstration against the banker robber barons since the bailout. We've given the banks 19 trillion dollars in bailout money, most of which has gone to CEOs. It's about time for some accountability. Check out video here.
Fuerza Laboral's 3rd Anniversary Fundraiser
Tuesday October 20, 2009
Please join us for:
Fuerza Laboral's 3rd Anniversary Fundraiser
Thursday, November 12, 2009 from 6pm-9pm
at our new office: 127 Clay Street, Central Falls, RI 02863
-Enjoy delicious Pan-Latin American food
-Sing songs of protest with talented local musicians
-See an original dramatic theater presentation about worker organizing
-See our new, 2000 sq. foot office space
-Celebrate worker victories and Fuerza Laboral's 3rd Anniversary
-Support worker-led community organizing
All in one night!
Tickets are $10 for Fuerza Laboral members, $25-50 for friends and allies.
Businesses and organizations can help sponsor the organization and the event by purchasing a plaque to be displayed at our office. Call us for details, 401-725-2700 or to purchase tickets.
Register at our Facebook page
Hope to see you there!
NY Times Article about Private Equity Greed
Monday October 5, 2009
Today's NY Times has an article that will sound very familiar to Colibri workers. Check it out
here
Forms for Colibri Workers
Friday September 18, 2009
If you were a Colibri Worker who wants to get in on the lawsuit against Founders Equity but never filled out the paperwork for Marc (agreement letter and intake form), there is still time. Just print out to the two documents below, fill in the information, and send them to Fuerza Laboral/ Colibri Workers for Rights and Justice, PO Box 202, Central Falls, RI 02863.
Today, Fuerza Laboral on the Front Page of the Providence Journal
Sunday September 13, 2009
Check out two great articles by Journal reporter Karen Lee Ziner in today's (Sunday Sept. 13) paper about Fuerza Laboral and our wage theft work.
RI's Fuerza Laboral Pursues Employers Who Don't Pay Their Workers
Closing of Mobile Workforce Takes Toll on RI Workers
You can be a part of stopping the injustice of wage theft by making a donation to Fuerza Laboral. Click here for information on how to donate.
If you make a donation through PayPal, please be sure to either call us or send us an email through the Contact page with your contact info so that we can send you a tax-deductible receipt.
Thank you!
Fuerza Laboral Rallies for Health Care Reform
Wednesday September 9, 2009
This Labor Day, Fuerza Laboral members shared a bus with members of SEIU 615 Janitors' Union to go to Boston to march and rally for health care for all. The experience of the Colibri workers is one more example of why health care shouldn't be tied to employment.
Fuerza Laboral is Moving!
Monday August 31, 2009
After a great year sharing space with the Learning Community (thanks for their generosity!), Fuerza Laboral is moving to a new building with 2000 square feet of space. There is room for staff, volunteers, and big membership meetings!
Our new office is located at: 127 Clay Street, Central Falls, RI. If you are coming from Pawtucket, go up Dexter Street and turn right at the Family Dollar. 127 Clay Street is located in a big brick mill building, with a large parking lot behind it. Come visit!
Our mailing address remains the same (PO Box 202, Central Falls, RI 02863), as does our telephone number (401-725-2700). We are switching over our phone lines this week so please excuse any delay; we will return your call very soon!
No Immigration Enforcement by Local Police!
Thursday July 30, 2009
Fuerza Laboral joins ONA, the Immigrants in Action Committee, Jobs with Justice, English for Action and others tomorrow in a press conference as part of a nationwide effort by thousands of organizations to call on President Obama to end the 287g program which deputizes local police as Immigration agents. This mobilization comes on the heels of DHS Director Napolitano's announcement that 11 new jurisdictions have been approved by DHS for 287g support and training. Come here powerful testimony from a Fuerza member about the abuses of this program: Friday, July 31, 5:30 pm in front of the Providence Police Complex.
Colibri Workers Featured on CNN Money
Thursday July 30, 2009
Click here for the story.
Colibri Workers Say Receivers Fees are Obscene
Thursday July 9, 2009
Today over twenty members of Colibri Workers for Rights and Justice went to Superior Court to express their disagreement with the use of Colibri's assets. The receiver was asking the court to approve over $391,000 for his services and $420,000 to Consensus Consulting. We believe it's obscene to have such high administrative fees while the workers still have not seen a cent.
Shirley Samayoa, a member of Fuerza Laboral and Bill Dugdale, an ex-Colibri salesman made powerful arguments to the court as did Attorney Marc Gursky, who made an objection to the receiver's use of $6,000 to hire East Providence Police to arrest us the day of the auction. This is a violation of State law which prohibits the use of police as paid security in a labor dispute.
While the judge ultimately decided to accept the receiver's report in its totality, we are not swayed! We will continue to fight until the Colibri workers are compensated and the law is changed to protect workers.
Colibri Workers Introduce Lawsuit, Push for Legislation to Protect Workers
Thursday May 21, 2009
Today, May 21, at 1 PM, Colibri Workers for Rights and Justice announced the filing of their Federal WARN Act lawsuit in front of the Federal Courthouse in Kennedy Plaza, Downtown Providence and urge local lawmakers to pass legislation that will strengthen the WARN Act locally.
“Founders Equity must be held accountable for the damage it's done to Colibri Workers and to Rhode Island. We will keep the fight going until we reach victory,” said Yannery Sarit, a leader with Colibri Rights and Justice.
The lawsuit names Colibri, Founders Equity, and Phoenix Management as defendants. Founders Equity is the Manhattan-based private equity firm that was a principal owner of Colibri and signed the petition to force Colibri into receivership. Phoenix Management is the management company chosen by Founders Equity to run the company’s daily operations. Jim Fleet of Phoenix Management was Colibri’s most recent CEO. Members of Colibri Workers for Rights and Justice confirm that in addition to the lawsuit, they will continue to organize to hold Founders Equity accountable.
Under the Federal WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) Act, a company with 100 or more employees is required to give employees 60 days notice before closing. Colibri’s workers received an email the night before the closing, and many did not find out until they came to work the following morning to find a sign on the door.
The WARN Act was passed in 1989 to lessen the impact that massive unforeseen unemployment has on local communities, and to give workers time to seek new employment or enter training programs. In short, it was created for times like these. However, the Federal WARN Act lacks enforcement measures. If the workers had not introduced a lawsuit, no one would have held Founders Equity accountable.
“We went to Washington, DC and spoke with a representative of the US Department of Labor. He told us that there is no one in the whole country who is responsible for enforcing the WARN Act. He said the only way to enforce the WARN Act is through a lawsuit. It is ridiculous that we have to sue to get our rights. That’s why we’re pushing for the RI WARN Act, so what happened to us will never again happen to a worker in Rhode Island, ” said Shirley Samayoa, a 27 year veteran of Colibri.
The RI WARN Act, H5673, officially known as the Rhode Island Worker Protection and Job Loss Notification Act, was introduced by East Providence Representative Roberto DaSilva as a response to the Colibri plant closing in his district. The bill was recently amended and reintroduced so that if passed, it would automatically guarantee 60 days payment of wages and benefits to workers as an immediate administrative expense, if a company fails to provide notification of a closing. In a prepared statement from his office, Rep. DaSilva said, “Those who employ members of our Rhode Island community need to understand that the WARN Act isn’t a suggestion. It’s a necessary legal step in protecting everyone involved: the families of the employees, the city or town where they live, and our state together.”
Check out coverage:
AP Article
Pawtucket Times front page
Video
Press Conference Tomorrow
Wednesday May 20, 2009
Join us at 1PM Thursday May 21 in front of the Federal Courthouse in Kennedy Plaza (Downtown Providence) for a press conference announcing the Colibri Workers For Rights and Justice's federal class-action lawsuit against Colibri, Founders Equity, and Phoenix Management.
Victory! All Charges Dropped Against Colibri Arrestees
Wednesday May 6, 2009
Today the 13 Colibri Workers and allies who were arrested for civil disobedience at the March 19th auction of Colibri's assets had all charges against them dismissed. At a press conference following their day in court, workers stated that they would continue to fight to hold Founders Equity accountable for inflicting unannounced unemployment on Rhode Island during one of our worst financial crises. We also called on legislators to support Rep. DaSilva's Bill H5673: the RI Worker Protection and Job Loss Notification Act, a "RI WARN Act" with real enforcement teeth to make sure this doesn't happen to any workers in the future.
See ABC 6 video here.
Final Court Date for Arrested Colibri Workers
Tuesday May 5, 2009
Join us at a press conference after our last court date tomorrow to hear the outcome!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
11 AM
In front of the Garrahy Court Building in One Dorrance Plaza in Downtown Providence.
May Day 2009: Demanding Humane Immigration Reform
Friday May 1, 2009
A great and energetic crowd gathered today in front of the Providence Immigration Office, joining protests and rallies around the country to urge Obama to make good on his promises and deliver comprehensive immigration reform that values human rights and keeps families together. Fuerza Laboral was part of a collaboration of many community organizations that co-organized the event.
See Yanny Sarit, leader of Fuerza Laboral from the Colibri Campaign, speaking at the rally here.
Health Insurance Relief Bill Passes Unanimously
Wednesday April 8, 2009
Today, leaders of Colibri Workers for Rights and Justice met with Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts, who sponsored legislation that would use Federal stimulus money to cover 65% of health insurance premiums for workers who are laid off due to a plant closing like Colibri. The vote took place this evening, and passed unanimously. This will provide great relief for families who have gone without health care due to the exorbitant cost.
Check out Lt. Gov. Roberts' press release here.
Tomorrow, at 10 am at the RI State House, Colibri workers will be present as the Governor signs this bill into law. Join us! Video and article of the Governor's signing here
Colibri Workers Say,
Wednesday March 25, 2009
Last night, Kelly, Alda, Shirley, Mike, Evelyn, Emilio, Valeria, and Yanny went to the House Labor Committee to testify on the effects of the Colibri layoff and to urge the Representatives to pass a state WARN Act (sponsored by Rep. DaSilva, who also introduced the resolution in favor of the Colibri Workers struggle) that would have better worker protections than the Federal. This Act would put workers at the front of the line as secured creditors to be paid 60 days pay and benefits. Our folks showed our expertise on the matter and the testimonies were powerful. The Labor Committee was visibly moved. Although a vote was not taken on the bill yet (an amendment had been introduced), we will keep working to make sure what happened in Colibri doesn't happen to any other workers.
Fuerza Goes to Washington
Wednesday March 25, 2009
This past weekend, March 21-23, 13 leaders and staff of Fuerza Laboral attended National People's Action, a conference of grassroots community leaders from around the country. Some leadership highlights:
-Ana Yoleida spoke about our coalition work against raids this past summer in a workshop that included a representatitve from the Dept. of Homeland Security
-Jeremias was a featured speaker in the Workers' Rights workshop in which he outlined our victories for injured workers
-Yanny and Shirley of Colibri Workers for Rights and Justice spoke on a panel that included a representative of the Federal Department of Labor
-Valeria addressed a 600-person crowd during a direct action on Wells Fargo Bank about how the Colibri closing has made her unable to meet her mortgage payments
See us in action at Wells Fargo here
-Shirley was on the leadership team and addressed a 600-person crowd at a direct action on the Financial Services Roundtable, an organization that has lobbied for bank bailouts and against the Employee Free Choice Act
-All of us met with the labor staffers for Senators Whitehouse and Reed, highlighted the need for Comprehensive and Humane Immigration Reform and stronger workers' rights protections, and got them to commit to setting up a meeting for us with the Congressmen when they return to RI.
Colibri Workers Commit Civil Disobedience at Auction
Thursday March 19, 2009
Over 200 people rallied today at Colibri and 13 workers and allies were arrested when they blocked the entrance in civil disobedience. No one should get paid until the workers get paid!
Colibri Workers Announce Intent to Protest Auction
Tuesday March 17, 2009
Today, March 17, 2009 over 80 Colibri workers and allies held a press conference in front of Colibri Headquarters to announce that we will be protesting the auction of Colibri's assets unless we are presented with a plan and guarantee to pay the workers what they're owed and that they be paid first.
Join us at the auction!
3.19.09
10 AM
Colibri Headquarters, 25 Fairmount Avenue, East Providence, RI
Check out our video of Shirley Samayoa, a leader of Colibri Workers for Rights and Justice, speaking at today's press conference: Shirley Video
RI House of Reps Unanimously Support Colibri Workers
Saturday March 14, 2009
On Thursday, March 12, East Providence Representative DaSilva introduced a resolution supporting the struggle of Coibri Workers for Rights and Justice and their demands for 60 days pay and benefits plus severance. The vote was brought to the House floor and received a unanimous vote of 69 to 0 in favor.
Rep. DaSilva also introduced a state version of the WARN Act to prevent employers from closing and disappearing with no notice to their workers.
Check out Rep DaSilva's press release
Victory for Injured Workers!
Thursday March 12, 2009
On Tuesday, March 10, our Injured Workers' Committee and injured workers throughout Rhode Island won a great victory when Rep. Trillo withdrew his legislation to deny Workers Compensation to undocumented immigrants. Had it passed, this bill would have allowed underground, unscrupulous employers to abuse workers with impunity. We know that Workers Compensation is a basic right, not a benefit, and anytime a basic right is denied to a community, it opens the doors for super-exploitation that hurts everyone except the one who is profiting from it.
Rep. Trillo made this decision after hearing testimony from Chief Justice George Healy against the proposed legislation. Judge Healy, as you may remember, promised the community at our public hearing in December that he would oppose this legislation, and his testimony was powerful.
See the text of the bill here:Bill H 5436
Providence City Council Passes Resolution in Support of Colibri Workers
Friday March 6, 2009
Last night, Colibri Workers For Rights and Justice brought flowers to members of the Providence City Council to thank them for passing a resolution that supports our fight to get severance pay and benefits. The City Council forwarded copies of the resolution to Allan Shine, the Receiver for Colibri Group, and to the RI Congressional Delegation. Now we hope East Providence and RI Legislators follow with resolutions!
Colibri Workers Ask Banks to Put Workers First
Friday February 27, 2009
Today, Colibri Workers for Rights and Justice filled the courtroom at Superior Court in a hearing that confirmed HSBC and Sovereign Bank as secured creditors. In a move that presiding judge Silverstein called "highly unusual," Mike Masi, a Vietnam Veteran and ex-Colibri toolmaker, took the stand and asked the banks to voluntarily put themselves behind the workers in the order of payment. He then gave the legal counsel for the banks a letter signed by the workers, that states:
"Today your claim as secured creditors to be paid from the assets of Colibri is being confirmed by the RI Superior Court. We, the Colibri Workers for Right and Justice, represent the 280 workers who were abruptly laid off when Founders Equity forced Colibri into receivership. It is our understanding that the closing took you by surprise as well. We know that in a receivership, secured creditors are at the front of the line to be paid after the receiver. We are here today to ask you to cede your position to the workers of Colibri so that we may be paid before you.
Banks have insurance. We don't. Banks can wait to be repaid. We can't. For some of us, both wage-earners in the household were working at Colibri and now we are left with zero income. Others of us struggle with health issues and greatly depended on our health insurance, which was cut off as well. All of us were thrown into chaos by an action that was illegal, namely, Founders Equity's violation of the Federal WARN Act which should have given us 60 days notice before the closure. Providing notice would have been an easy thing to do. But Founders Equity, based in Manhattan, had no regard for the damage such an abrupt closing would cause to us individually and as a community, as RI's unemployed rate has exceeded 10%.
Unlike Founders Equity, both Sovereign and HSBC have a local presence here in Rhode Island. We know you have a vested interest in the state and are more committed to its people, because we are in the same community. We ask you to recognize the power you have to change this situation.
You may contact us at Fuerza Laboral (Power of Workers) at (401) 725-2700. Thank you.
Sincerely, Colibri Workers for Rights and Justice"
Colibri Workers for Rights and Justice at the March for Jobs and Dignity
Thursday February 26, 2009
Today, Yannery Sarit, a leader with Colibri Workers for Rights and Justice, addressed the crowd of unions, students, and community organizations who marched to the State House to demand that our elected officials stand up for working families. Yannery expressed how the flagrant disregard Founders Equity had towards Colibri's workers is representative of a larger problem of the lack of enforcement of workers' rights. "We are here supporting your fight like you have been there for us because we all need to stick together to win," she said.
Holding Founders Equity Accountable
Saturday February 21, 2009
Yesterday, 70 members of Colibri Workers for Rights and Justice and allies from RI and NY went to 5th Avenue in Manhattan to hold Founders Equity accountable for violation of the WARN Act. Pictures/ video to be posted soon!
Founders Equity's office is located at 711 5th Avenue, the site of the Coca-Cola headquarters. As Coke is no stranger to protests for their abysmal human rights record in South America (see Killer Coke's website), security locked down the elevators as soon as we got on them. We got security to call up to Founders and there is no doubt they got the message, although they refused to meet with our leaders.
Jobs With Justice of RI and NY did incredible work to make this demonstration possible. Thanks also to the Unitarian Universalist Church at Shelter Rock, who greeted us with open arms and a pizza party. It was a great moment to share perspectives on the day and inspirational words for the struggle.
Tell Founders Equity to be responsible and pay Colibri workers 60 days pay and benefits, and severance based on years worked. Click here to send them the message. Over 700 people have sent this message so far.
Colibri Workers: We Won't Wait
Tuesday February 10, 2009
Today over 50 Colibri workers and their allies demonstrated in front of the office of Allan Shine, the receiver for Colibri's assets, to tell him we are organized and that the court process of filing individual claims forms is too long a time to wait for what is rightfully ours. Leaders Iris, Emilio, and Donna delivered a letter to Allan Shine and Tim Gallogly, Colibri's legal counsel giving them until the end of the day Wednesday to bring Founders Equity to the table to pay us.
Providence Business News Article
250 People Protest Colibri for Violation of Federal Law
Wednesday February 4, 2009
Yesterday, February 3rd, 250 people (according to the Providence Journal) braved the snowstorm to hold Colibri and their owners, Founders Equity, responsible for violation of the federal WARN Act.
Help Get Grassroots Leaders to Washington for National People's Action 2009
Friday January 30, 2009
Every year, Fuerza Laboral leaders strategize with other community organizations around the country in preparation for National People's Action (NPA) to hold national-level decision-makers accountable. This year's conference, on March 21-23, will take place within the first hundred days of Obama's presidency. We have a goal of bringing 10 leaders and two staff, and need to raise $5000 to make this trip possible. You can make a donation by check (made out to Fuerza Laboral and sent to PO Box 202, Central Falls, RI 02863) or online here.
Click here to see highlights from NPA 2008.
Judge Healy Makes Committments to Community
Wednesday December 17, 2008
Latinos have the highest rate of workplace accidents, due to dangerous jobs, lack of safety equipment provided by the employer, and lack of training and information provided in Spanish. Workplace accidents frequently go unreported because of pressure from the employer or fear of losing one's job. Our Injured Workers' Committee organized and ran a public meeting with the Chief Justice of the RI Workers' Compensation Court, Judge George Healy, on Saturday December 13, 2008. The Judge provided a 50 minute training to the public on rights under Workers' Compensation Law, and agreed to all of our asks to improve the system for immigrant workers, including: giving public testimony against proposed legislation in 2009 to deny Workers Compensation to undocumented immigrants, working with our Injured Workers' Committee to improve access to interpretation, developing policies to make the court safer for immigrants, and continuing to meet with the Injured Workers' Committee.
We've Moved!
Wednesday December 17, 2008
The office of Fuerza Laboral is now located at 21 Lincoln Avenue, Central Falls, RI. Our mailing address is now PO Box 202, Central Falls, RI 02863. Our phone number continues to be (401)725-2700. Come by and visit!
Fuerza Laboral Receives
Friday October 24, 2008
On October 23, RI Jobs With Justice recognized Fuerza Laboral along with Tom Savoie, Vice President of of the RI Carpenters Union Local 94 as movement builders for economic justice. Leaders and members Rosa, Manuela, and Bernardo accepted the award on behalf of the organization. Community activist Fred Ordoñez presented the award with a beautiful, nuanced introduction of our organization. Many thanks to Jobs With Justice for this honor and all your great work in the struggle!
Filling Up the Court In Solidarity
Wednesday June 4, 2008
Today, Fuerza Laboral turned out in solidarity for the court case of Edgar Velazquez. Edgar, a tree care worker, suffered a terrible accident last year in which his face was cut open with a chainsaw, and his employer didn't have Workers' Compensation insurance. When he showed up to court, ICE was waiting for him and deported him to Mexico. His employer allegedly called out to him, "Adios, Edgar!" Through the hard work of a number of local organizations, Edgar received a humanitarian visa to come back and complete his case. This was a precedent-setting event. However, recently it was revealed that the employer has not paid a dime of what he owes to Edgar.
For that reason, over a dozen members of Fuerza Laboral turned out to witness for Edgar at the Workers' Compensation Court today, to send a strong message to the employer and the judge that the community is watching. Check out the story in the Providence Journal and Providence en Español. The case was continued for June 27 at 9:45 a.m. in the Workers' Compensation Court on Dorrance Avenue in Providence. Come and support Edgar and make sure unscrupulous employers are held accountable!
300 People Demonstrate for Immigrant Rights on May Day
Monday May 5, 2008
Fuerza Laboral was one of the main organizers of the event, which was called to stand up to the Governor's Executive Order and the anti-immigrant legislations being proposed at this moment in the State House. See articles in the Providence Journal and Providence en Español
Fuerza Laboral Leaders Demand Change in Washington
Wednesday April 16, 2008
Four leaders from Fuerza Laboral represented the organization in this year's National People's Action Conference (NPA) in Washington, DC. Ana, Cristina, Ignacio and Vicente joined with over 500 community leaders from grassroots organizations across the country to share victories and strategies with groups working on workers' rights and immigrants' rights, as well as youth rights, health care, ending predatory lending and foreclosures, protecting family farms, halting gentrification, and affordable housing for the homeless. All of our leaders were featured speakers on panels or facilitators of workshops. Then, we took action, demanding that community folks have a seat at the table with policy makers in the decisions that affect us directly. NPA won meetings with all of the decision makers we approached! Vidoes to be posted soon.
501(c)3 Status Granted
Friday March 21, 2008
The IRS approved our application for 501(c) 3 nonprofit status! Now tax-deductible donations can be made directly to Fuerza Laboral. Many thanks to the George Wiley Center, our fiscal sponsor up to this point, for all their support!
196 Workers Trained in Labor Rights
Friday March 21, 2008
In just one week in February, Fuerza Laboral presented our Basic Labor Rights Workshop to 196 people, through relationships with Progreso Latino's Adult Education Program and St. George's Episcopal Church in Central Falls.
Temp Workers Demand Accountability
Friday March 21, 2008
Fuerza Laboral appeared in the Providence Journal and Providence en Español for our press conference announcing the class-action lawsuit against Mobile Workforce for wage robbery of approximately 120 workers.
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All rights reserved.
Fuerza Laboral
127 Clay Street
Central Falls, RI 02863
401-725-2700