Nearly 200 workers marched in Princeton on Monday to commemorate International Workers’ Day. The workers are demanding better working conditions and benefits.
Ana Paola Pasmiño, executive director of Unidad Latina en Acción NJ says that all workers should have access to a dignified wage, health care and vacation and sick time.
Among the people at the rally was Michele First, who has been a domestic worker for 10 years. She was accompanied by her 10-year-old daughter.
“One thing I wish people – you don’t see the toll it takes on people’s bodies. That they may leave your house, but it is their body that matters,” First says.
Unidad Latina en Acción NJ says that there are about 50,000 domestic workers in the state of New Jersey.
A big focus this year is for the Secure Jobs Act to be passed. It is a bill being introduced in New York City and will prohibit employers from discharging employees without just cause and advance notice in most cases.
“Two weeks’ notice when they are going to get laid off. A fair contract,’ says Dali Hernandez, executive director of Casa Freehold.
“People don’t know that the law doesn’t distinguish in terms of wages and right to safety on the job. But that doesn’t mean that immigrant workers don’t get shafted on both ends,’ says Unidad Latina en Acción NJ vice president David Schraeger.
Many at the rally said that they felt marginalized.
Cashier Didier Jimenez said he was marching, “to make sure that we stand out for each other. We don’t get exploited by our bosses and to make sure our wages are good enough so we can have a family.”