Somos Un Pueblo Unido Protecting Immigrants' Rights in New Mexico

Somos Un Pueblo Unido 1205 Parkway Dr, Suite B Sante Fe, NM   87507   telephone: 505-424-7832 fax: 505-438-8518 email: somos@rt66.com

PRESS RELEASE May 1, 2008

Contact:   Marcela Díaz, Norma Moreno

 
Santa Fe — On May 1, 2008, Somos Un Pueblo Unido joined fourteen former Santa Fe Hilton workers at a demonstration in front of the hotel who claim that they were illegally fired because they complained about unreasonable and unsafe working conditions. The former housekeepers stood on the sidewalk with tape covering their mouths with the words “Shut up!” “Just work!” “No rights” and “Fired!” written on it. They also brought along working equipment such as vacuum cleaners, mops, and dusters to help make their point.

Some of the former employees shared their stories, while others held signs highlighting their managers’ unfair treatment. Amelia Solis, who worked for eight years at the Hilton Hotel as a housekeeper described what happened when the housekeepers got together to talk about their complaints on March 17, 2008 with the hotel management.

“When we tried to speak with the managers, Michael Newbrand and Mrs. Angelica Ruiz, about our complaints after enduring the abuse and bad working conditions for so long, their response was that we didn’t have any rights and that we should stop complaining. They snapped their fingers at us and said if we didn’t like it, we could leave. Before we could even move, they told us to punch out and get out. Angelica said they didn’t need us and that they could clean the rooms,” said Solis. The workers were also told that they would not be able to get jobs elsewhere because the Hilton would give them bad references.

Westminster Presbyterian Church Pastor Chester Topple says it is unconscionable what this country is doing to immigrant families and workers.

Some of the violations included pressure to finish cleaning 23 rooms during a shift of fewer than 7 hours. Also, they were constantly exposed to harsh chemicals and were denied gloves to protect themselves.

Organizers stated that there will be small demonstrations through out the week in heavy traffic areas and a vigil on Thursday to decry immigration enforcement activities in our communities.

“These courageous women have collectively filed three complaints with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the Employment Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA),” explained Marcela Díaz, Somos Executive Director. “We are supporting these workers because they are trying to send a larger message to the community that workers do have rights and shouldn’t be treated this unfairly.”

In solidarity with other employees in the hotel and restaurant industry, the Hilton former employees’ demonstration was held on the International Workers’ Day, May 1st.