WCWC Now!

What does "help" mean to you?

2011-12-07T09:06:00.000-08:00

It's not every day that a major Hollywood movie shines a light on hidden injustice. As discussed in our previous post, the movie "The Help" brought the lives, work, and struggles of domestic workers to the big screen in an unprecedented way. Now, the film's producers, Participant Media, have released a new video series which features members of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. You can watch the video here.

Today, the Washtenaw County Workers' Center, along with other allies in the National Domestic Worker Alliance are launching a new campaign, #BeTheHelp, to give everyone who has been moved by "The Help" a way to be part of improving the lives and working conditions of modern-day domestic workers.

Visit the campaign site and share what "help" means to you in the comments!

"The Help"

2011-09-06T14:34:00.000-07:00

(¡Español Abajo!)

A review of "The Help" from the point of view of today's workers: the past seems like the present.

By Meches Rosales

When I first heard about the new movie “The Help,” I was eager to see how domestic workers would be portrayed. I have never seen a movie, especially not one made in Hollywood, with domestic workers as lead characters.
I am a proud domestic worker, originally from Guatemala. In my seven years as a nanny, and even before then in my home country, I have witnessed and experienced for myself the harsh treatment and exploitation that domestic workers often endure. We are isolated, mostly working by ourselves behind closed doors. We are the invisible ones who make it possible for our employers to go to work and enjoy leisure time. We care for the most important elements of our employers’ lives.
Most of the time when we see ourselves on the big screen or on TV, domestic workers are just as invisible and one-dimensional as society believes us to be. “The Help” offered a surprisingly different take.
The move is based on Kathryn Stockett’s book about African American domestic workers and the white homes of 1960s Mississippi in which they toil. We meet Aibileen Clark, a domestic worker, who mourns the death of her son every day and pours her love into the white child she takes care of, as she’s done with 16 other children. We meet Minny, Aibileen’s friend, known for her outspokenness, who often faces the wrath of the white ladies for telling it like it is. We meet Skeeter, a young white woman pursuing a writing career, who befriends Aibileen and Minny. Together, the three set out to document the oral histories and some of the indignities that African American domestic workers suffered in places like Jackson, Mississippi.
Much of “The Help” resonated with my own experience as a nanny in the U.S. I deeply felt the pain of many of the domestic worker characters, from the loss and suffering that comes from not being able to be with their own loved ones while they care for someone else’s loved ones, to feeling powerless.
I’ve listened to my sisters with an open heart, feeling impotent, frustrated, and angry that we are often forced to stay in bad jobs and face racism and discrimination and mistreatment. The same fear that the characters experience is not unlike what many of us feel today. The experience of African American women in the Jim Crow South repeats itself for many immigrant women of color in today’s right-wing, anti-immigrant climate.
Their organizing and activism also resonated with me, the drive to want to do something to change our conditions—not just for ourselves as individuals but for the whole group. When the African American workers in the film had the courage to share and document their life stories, it was as much an act of resistance and breaking the silence as it is today when domestic workers from New York to California organize for power, respect, and the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. Our stories need to be told. We are the only ones who can make change happen. This is why we organize.
Long History of Our Struggle
For me, as a member of Domestic Workers United, showing the long history of struggle was also critical. Aibileen and her sisters were contemporaries of Rosa Parks and Medger Evers. In our political education classes at DWU, we discuss the important role that domestic workers played in the civil rights movement. Everyone needs to know that history. We must hold our heads up high because the work we do is dignified and because we are standing on the shoulders of the freedom fighters who came before us and paved the way.
Last year DWU saw the fulfillment of our historic six-year campaign to pass the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights in New York state. The only law of its kind in the U.S., it brought domestic workers out of the shadows by guranteeing us the rights and protections we have long been denied, like overtime pay after 40 hours, workers’ compensation, and a guaranteed day off each week.
The history portrayed in “The Help” might seem like a long time ago, but we have only just started to reverse the legacy of exclusion and discrimination. New York was the first step. Next is California. Before long, we will be in more states, and then in the nation’s capital.
Entire families should see this movie and discuss it, especially those who employ domestic workers. It’s important for them to understand some of what we experience and what we feel, so that they can begin to recognize the invaluable contributions we make and the great care we bring to the work.
Like the partnership between Aibileen, Minny, and Skeeter, and the diverse coalition that made the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights a reality, it’s going to take all of us to change the way that domestic work and the people who perform it are treated in our society.
I walked away from “The Help” feeling seen and proud and more committed than ever not to stay silent and to keep working to build the power of domestic workers and all workers.
Meches Rosales lives in New York and joined Domestic Workers United in 2010. Translated from Spanish by Telesh Lopez.

Una Reseña sobre “The Help” (o "La Ayuda") desde el punto de vista “de las trabajadoras de hoy”: Las historias del pasado se parecen a las del presente.

Por Meches Rosales

Mi nombre es Meches Rosales y soy una orgullosa trabajadora del hogar. Soy de origen Guatemalteco y he trabajado como niñera en los últimos siete años. En ese tiempo y muchísimo antes en mi país, yo he sido testigo y he experimentado los malos tratos y la explotación que las trabajadoras del hogar a menudo soportan. Nosotras estamos aisladas, casi todas trabajamos a puerta cerrada y solas. Nosotras somos las invisibles que hacemos posible para nuestros empleadores puedan ir a trabajar y que se puedan ir a divertir. Nosotras cuidamos de lo más importante de la vida de nuestros empleadores.
Cuando oí por primera vez de la película de “Te Help,” Yo estaba ansiosa por ver cómo las trabajadoras del hogar eran retratas. Yo nunca he visto una película, especialmente hecha en Hollywood, con trabajadoras del hogar como las protagonistas. La mayoría de veces cuando nos vemos en la pantalla grande o en la TV, las trabajadoras del hogar somos invisibles y unidimensional como la sociedad cree que somos. “The Help” ofrece una historia completamente diferente.
Recientemente publicada, “Te Help” es una película basada en la novela de Kathryn Stockett sobre las trabajadoras Afro-americanas trabajando en los hogares de familias blancas en los 1960s en Mississippi. Conocemos a Aibileen Clark, una trabajadora del hogar que llora la muerte de su hijo todos los días y derrama su amor en la niña blanca que está cuidando, como lo ha hecho con otros 16 niños. También conocemos a Minny, amiga de Aibileen, conocida por su franqueza, que a menudo enfrenta la ira de las mujeres blancas por decir las cosas como son. También conocemos a Skeeter una joven blanca ejercer una carrera de escritora, se hace amiga de Aibileen y Minny. Juntas, las tres se unen para documentar las historias habladas y algunas de las humillaciones que las trabajadoras afro-americanas han sufrido en lugares como Jackson, Mississippi.
Como trabajadora del hogar, lo más importante para mí sobre "Te Help" es que mucho de lo que se mostró hace eco en mi propia experiencia como niñera en los EE.UU. Sentí profundamente el dolor y el sufrimiento de muchos de los personajes en la película. Desde el dolor que uno siente de no poder estar con sus seres queridos, por estar cuidando a los seres queridos de otra persona y hasta sentir la sensación de impotencia. Yo escuchado a mis compañeras con el corazón abierto sintiéndome impotente, frustrada y enojada. Nosotras nos vemos forzadas a quedarnos en trabajos malos y enfrentarnos a racismo, discriminación y mal trato. El mismo miedo que los personajes de la película sienten nosotras estamos sintiendo ahora. Las experiencias de las mujeres afro-americanas en la época de Jim Crow South se repite para muchas mujeres inmigrantes de color en la extrema derecha de hoy, el clima anti-inmigrante.
Su organización y el activismo también resonó en mí y me a impulso a querer hacer algo para cambiar nuestras condiciones. No solo para nosotras como individuas sino para todo el grupo. Las trabajadoras del hogar afro-americanas en la película tienen el coraje para contar y documentar las historias de sus vidas y eso fue tanto un acto de resistencia y de romper el silencio como lo es hoy, las trabajadores del hogar desde Nueva York hasta California se organizan para tener poder, respeto, y la carta de derechos de las Trabajadoras del Hogar. Nuestras historias deben ser contadas. Somos las únicas que podemos lograr un cambio. Es por eso que nos organizamos.
Para mí como trabajadora del hogar y una miembro de trabajadoras de casa unida el que muestra la larga historia de lucha fue también crítico. Aibileen y sus compañeras fueron contemporáneas de Rosa Parks y Evers Medger. En nuestras clases de educación política en las trabajadoras de casa unidas, se discute el importante papel que las trabajadoras del hogar han desempeñado en el movimiento de derechos civiles. Todo el mundo tiene que saber que la historia, incluidas las trabajadoras del hogar. Debemos mantener la cabeza bien alta porque el trabajo que hacemos es digno y porque estamos de pie sobre los hombros de los luchadores por la libertad que nos precedieron y prepararon el camino.
El año pasado, por primera vez en la historia de los Estados Unidos, las trabajadoras del hogar, con el apoyo de los sindicatos, los empresarios, el clero y las organizaciones comunitarias, logran lo inimaginable. No sólo tenemos el coraje de organizar y también de llevar a cabo una campaña de seis años para aprobar la carta de derechos de las Trabajadoras del hogar en el estado de Nueva York. Es la única carta de derechos de este tipo en los EE.UU. Nos saco de la sombra a las trabajadoras del hogar para garantizarnos los derechos y protecciones que por mucho tiempo nos habían sido negados.
La historia de la película "Te Help" puede parecer que fue mucho tiempo atrás, pero apenas hemos comenzado a revertir el legado de exclusión y discriminación. Nueva York fue el primer paso. El siguiente es California. En poco tiempo, estaremos en más estados y luego en la capital del país.
Es mi opinión que toda la familia debe ver esta película y hablar sobre ella, especialmente los que emplean a trabajadoras del hogar. Es importante para ellos entiendan lo que experimentamos y lo que sentimos, de modo que puedan comenzar a reconocer las valiosas contribuciones que hacemos y el maravilloso cuidado que aportamos a nuestro trabajo. Al igual que la asociación entre Aibileen, Minny, y Skeeter, y las diferentes coaliciones que hizo que la carta derechos de las trabajadoras del hogar fuera toda una realidad, nos hará cambiar el punto de vista social del trabajo del hogar y las personas que lo realizan, así como el trato hacia ellos.
Salí de la película sintiéndome orgullosa y más comprometida que nunca a no quedarme callada y seguir trabajando para construir el poder de las trabajadoras del hogar y de todos los trabajadores.
Meches Rosales se unió a las Trabajadoras de Casa Unidas en el 2010 para ayudar al crecimiento del movimiento de los derechos, respeto y reconocimiento de las trabajadoras del hogar.

Happy Labor Day!

2011-09-05T16:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Labor Day!

While I'm sure everyone is enjoying there day off, let's take a moment to remember why so many of us aren't working today:

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. (from the Department of Labor)

English as a Second Language (ESL)

2011-06-24T12:11:00.000-07:00

¡CLASES DE INGLES!

Los clases son $15 por 6 semanas, los martes y los miercoles, el 14 de Junio - el 21 de Julio. 6-8 en la noche. ¡TODOS SON BIENVENIDOS!

Westside Methodist Church

900 S. Seventh Street.

Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Para más información, contactes a Jasmine Franco (734) 680-2263.

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T15:21:00.000-07:00

Why We Need to Think of Our Mothers as Caregivers

BY TIFFANY WILLIAMS

Originally Posted on the Huffington Post

Instead of a bouquet or greeting card, she'd really appreciate a new respect for the value of care, in all its forms, and a new vision for what we deserve as Americans when it comes to giving and receiving care.

Today, American families celebrate Mother's Day. For centuries, we have venerated mothers for the selflessness and the tender caregiving that allows us to feel safe and to thrive. Beyond the vases of roses, the boxes of chocolate, even the spa gift certificates, we can do more for the caregivers in our families.

There are many forms caregiving relationships that are full of tenderness and intimacy -- not just between mother and child, but between a son and his and aging father, or between the home health aide and the Alzheimer's patient, or between the working woman with a disability and the attendant who helps her get ready in the morning. Comedian Amy Poehler commented on the indispensable role of caregivers at the Time 100 event last week:

I have thought very hard and long about what has influenced me over the past couple of years, and ... it was the women who helped me take care of my children ... who come to my house and help me raise my children. And for you working women who are out there tonight who get to do what you get to do because there are wonderful people who help you at home, I would like to take a moment to thank those people, some of whom are watching their children right now, while you're at this event. Those are people who love your children as much as you do, and who inspire them and influence them and on behalf of every sister and mother and person who stands in your kitchen and helps you love your child, I say thank you and I celebrate you tonight.

Care workers, those who provide the childcare, housekeeping and direct care services that allow us to go to work and support our families, or who allow our loved ones to receive care at home with dignity instead of being institutionalized, need our attention as a nation. Those who aren't lucky enough to work for the Amy Poehlers of the world are often working under strenuous conditions, vulnerable to abuse and burn out. Many workers lack pathways to career advancement and citizenship, compromising working conditions and jeopardizing the quality of care.
Meanwhile, the struggle to find quality, affordable caregiving services becomes more challenging by the year. Even as the economy "recovers" from the destruction caused by Wall Street speculators and tax-evading corporations, budget shortfalls are prompting cuts on the state and federal level to many of the basic human services that we depend on in this country, including Medicaid and Medicare. Some lawmakers are pushing to repeal some of the most promising programs in the new healthcare law that will help our seniors and fellow citizens with disabilities access home care such as the CLASS Act, and have threatened to block Medicaid, which according to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities would cause "serious hardship."
A burgeoning movement of domestic workers and direct-care workers, along with disability and senior rights advocates, came together this week in Washington, D.C. for the latest meeting of the Caring Across Generations campaign. This multi-organization campaign is led by the National Domestic Workers Alliance (whose director Ai-jen Poo was recently featured in a New York Times article by IPS board member Barbara Ehrenreich), Jobs with Justice, and Hand in Hand: The Domestic Employer's Association.
The meeting brought together dozens of organizations from the disability rights, senior rights, and worker rights worlds, and included a panel discussion with policy experts like Dean Baker and Van Jones. A broad coalition, including the Institute for Policy Studies, has come together to provide leadership to the campaign, which is based on the values of quality, affordable care, dignified and meaningful jobs and the values of inclusiveness and interdependence. In addition to joining the fights to preserve the services and programs that families depend on today, the long-term vision of the campaign includes:
Improving the quality of jobs so that these jobs respect the rights of workers who provide this valuable care
Providing training and a meaningful career ladder
Providing a path to citizenship for undocumented care workers
Supporting individuals and families to access and afford quality care, and to address the needs of unpaid family caregivers.

The campaign will be fully launched in D.C. at the first "Care Congress" on July 12. I hope you will join us, and the more than 700 people from all around the country who want to be part of the movement to transform care in the United States.
What mom really needs this Mother's Day isn't a bouquet of flowers or greeting card. It's a new respect for the value of care, in all its forms, and a new vision for what we deserve as Americans when it comes to giving and receiving care.

Read this!

2011-04-29T09:19:00.000-07:00

Click HERE for an amazing article about Ai-jen Poo, one of the founders of Domestic Workers United and current Director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance.

Photo Credit: Max Vadukul

California Domestic Worker Bill of Rights

2011-03-31T18:12:00.000-07:00

Les quiero compartir fotos de una conferencia de Prensa en Los Angeles sobre la carta de derechos de trabajadores domesticas en California. ¡Adelante Mujeres!

Wanted to share some photos from the LA Press Conference in Los Angeles for the Domestic Worker Bill of Rights in California. Go women!

In Solidarity With Wisconsin! - ¡En Solidaridad con Wisconsin!

2011-02-23T18:22:00.000-08:00

Thousands of workers and their supporters have descended on Wisconsin to take a stand against Wisconsin's Governor Walker's attempt to balance the state's budget by destroying the hard-won collective bargaining rights of public employees - teachers, police officers, firefighters, public health workers, etc. This is nothing but an attempt to scapegoat workers for state budget problems, which were primarily caused by Wall Street abuses NOT the salaries of public sector workers. With similar anti-union legislations in progress in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana, Wisconsin's battle will soon be our own battle!

Kim Bobo, Executive Director of Interfaith Worker Justice, wrote the following in response to the attacks on Public Sector Workers and Unions in Wisconsin:

Yesterday I joined religious leaders, organized by the Interfaith Coalition for Worker Justice of South Central Wisconsin, in marching into the Wisconsin Capitol chanting “Tell me what religion looks like..... This is what religion looks like!” I have goosebumps remembering the chanting and excitement of the protestors at seeing clergy standing with them.

Religious leaders from across faith traditions are s tepping forth and condemning Governor Walker’s outrageous proposals to deny workers the right of collective bargaining. The struggle underway in Madison is spreading to Indianapolis, Columbus and dozens more Capitols. Here’s what you can do:

Sign On to our Statement -- Stop Attacks on Public Sector Workers and Unions -- and forward it on to friends, family and colleagues urging them to sign on. Post the letter on Facebook and on any listservs you're on, and e-mail it to friends and colleagues.

Join Tomorrow's Call to hear directly from clergy in Madison about what they are doing and from union presidents Mary Kay Henry (SEIU) and Bob King (UAW) about why the struggle in Madison is so significant:

Thursday afternoon (5pm EST, 4pm CST, 3 pm MST, 2 pm WST)
Call in number: 800-260-0702 / Participant Access Code: 193691

Participate in a Local Solidarity Action -- There are rallies and events scheduled across the country. Many are listed here. If you want IWJ's All Religions Believe in Justice posters, e-mail Blake Valenta immediately at bvalenta@iwj.org or call him at 773-728-8400 x10.

Bulletin Insert -- Download A Prayer for the Rights of Public Sector Worker s (PDF) and get it placed in your congregation's bulletin!

Check back regularly at www.iwj.org to view the latest religious statements issued in support of workers and other key resources.

This crisis offers opportunities and blessings for engaging more people of faith in worker justice. Don’t miss this opportunity and blessing!

Solidarity,

Kim

Kim Bobo

Executive Director

Interfaith Worker Justice

Read a statement from the Interfaith Worker Justice Board of Directors here.

Stay tuned for more info!

TONIGHT / ESTA NOCHE

2011-02-11T11:05:00.000-08:00

Ven y reúnete con nosotras, no importa si eres abuela, hija, mamá, o ama de casa; lo importante es tener un espacio para nosotras para poder hablar, llorar y reír juntas porque queremos ser: “tus mejores amigas”

Come and hang out with us, it doesn’t matter if you are a grandmother, daughter, or mother. The important thing is to have a space for us to talk, cry and laugh together.

TONIGHT / ESTA NOCHE

February 11, 2011 / 11 de Febrero 2011

209 WASHTENAW AVE, YPSILANTI, MI (first united methodist church)

6-7:30pm

For more information, call us! / Para más información, llamanos!

(734) 276-1672 con Yesenia (en español)

(734) 474-7107 with Marisa (in English)

DWU on Colbert Report!

2011-01-27T11:28:00.000-08:00

Everyone should check out Christine Yvette Lewis from Domestic Workers United on the Colbert Report last night!

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Christine Yvette Lewis

www.colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor & Satire Blog</a>

Video Archive

OFFICIAL Sweet Honey in The Rock ft. Yonas - Are We A Nation?

2010-12-06T10:35:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, watch this sweet music video by Sweet Honey in the Rock:

Hola todos, mire ese video de musica por el groupo Sweet Honey in the Rock:

Household Worker Organizing Project - Proyecto de Trabajadores del Hogar

2010-08-25T19:04:00.000-07:00

Want to IMPROVE Your Job -Quiere MEJORAR Su Trabajo?

2010-08-25T18:52:00.000-07:00

¡Take Control - Tome el Control!

Raises/Aumenta de Salario
Hours/Horas de Trabajo
Working Conditions/Condiciones de Trabajo

¡Be Respected - Ser Respetado!

When/Cuando: 3-6 PM August 29th

Where/Donde: Pittsfield Park

701 W. Ellsworth Rd, Pittsfield Township (State St. & Ellsworth Rd.)

Join Us and Learn Tips and Strategies to NEGOTIATE with your boss....Then PARTY!

Unase a Nosotros y Aprenda Estrategias de NEGOCIACION con su jefe... ¡Despues DIVIERTASE!

Family Games/Juegos Para La Familia!
Prizes/Premios!
Food/Comida!

Want more Info?/Quiere mas Informacion?

Call Us/Llamenos: 734.474.7107

This Law Is Very Unjust! - Este Ley es Demasiado Injusto!

2010-08-06T08:13:00.000-07:00

Lo siento a la gente que prefiere leer en espanol, pero este articulo esta demasiado largo y no puedo traducirlo en total....

"THIS LAW IS VERY UNJUST!"
By Teresa Mina, as told to David Bacon

New America Media, 7/24/10

http://newamericamedia.org/2010/07/one-womans-story-this-law-is-very-unjust.php

Teresa Mina was a San Francisco janitor, member of Service Employees Union Local 87, when she was fired because the company said she didn't have legal immigration documents. Immigration and Customs Enforcement told her employer to fire 463 workers because they lack legal immigration status. She told her story to David Bacon the day before she returned to Mexico.

Teresa Mina era una portera en San Francisco, miembra del Sindicato Local 87 de Empleados de Servicios, cuando se la despidieron porque la compania dijo que no tenia documentos de inmigracion legal. ICE (La Migra) dijo a su empleador que necesitaban despidir a 463 trabajadores porque ellos han faltado un estatus de imigracion legal. Ella dijo su historia a David Bacon un dia antes de regresar a Mexico.

Sigue la historia....

I come from Tierra Blanca, a very poor town in Veracruz. After my children's father abandoned us, I decided to come to the U.S. There's just no money to survive. We couldn't continue to live that way.

We all felt horrible when I decided to leave. My three kids, my mom, and two sisters are still living at home in Veracruz. The only one supporting them now is me.

My kids' suffering isn't so much about money. I've been able to send enough to pay the bills. What they lack is love. They don't have a father; they just have me. My mother cares for them, but it's not the same. They always ask me to come back. They say maybe we'll be poor, but we'll be together.

I haven't been able to go back to see them for six years, because I don't have any papers to come back to the U.S. afterwards. To cross now is very hard and expensive.

My first two years in San Francisco I cleaned houses. The work was hard, and I was lonely. It's different here. Because I'm Latina and I don't know English, if I go into a store, they watch me from head to foot, like I'm a robber.

After two years, I got a job as a janitor, making $17.85 per hour. Cleaning houses only paid $10. But then I was molested sexually. Another worker exposed himself to me and my friend. When we went to the company and filed a complaint, they took me off the job and kept me out of work a month. They didn't pay me all that time.

That's when my problems started, because I called the union and asked them to help me. After that, the company called me a problematic person, because I wouldn't be quiet and I fought for my rights. Sometimes they wouldn't give me any work.

When you work as a janitor you're mostly alone. You pick up trash, clean up the kitchen and vacuum. These are simple things, and they tire you out, but basically it's a good job. Lots of times we don't take any breaks, though. To finish everything, sometimes we don't even stop for lunch.

No one ever said anything to me about immigration for four years. But then the company gave a letter to my coworkers, saying they wouldn't be able to continue working because they had no papers. About 40 people got them at first. Eventually I got a letter too.

The person from human relations said immigration had demanded the papers for all the people working at the company. She said 300 people didn't have good papers. People whose papers were bad had a month to give the company other documents. If the immigration authorities said these were no good too, we'd be fired. She said the immigration might come looking for us where we lived.

We had a meeting at the union about the letters. Some people in that meeting had papers, and came to support those of us who didn't. They said when they first came here they had to cross the border like we did, in order to find work.

They complained that so many of us were being fired that the workload increased for people who were left. The union got weaker too. We're all paying $49 a month in union dues, and that adds up to alot. We're paying that money so that the union will defend us if we get fired like this. In that meeting we said we wanted equal rights. No one should be fired unless the immigration arrests us. We don't want the comapny to enforce immigration law. The comapny isn't the law.

The company gave me no work in December and January. I was desperate. I had no money. I had to move in with someone else, because I couldn't pay rent. I couldn't send money home to my children.

I was so stressed I fell and broke my arm, and was out on disability. Then I went back to work, and when I went to get my check, the woman in the office wouldn't pay me until I showed them new immigration papers. She gave me three days to bring then, and said if I didn't I'd be fired. I asked her, "so you're the immigration?"

I felt really bad. I spent so many years killing myself in that job, and I needed to keep it so I could send money home. But I couldn't keep fighting. I didn't want my problems to get even bigger - I could tell things would only get worse.

I went back after three days, and told the company I didn't have any good papers. I asked for my pay for the hours I'd worked, and my vacation. I told them I had a flight back to Mexico and needed my check. They only paid me 60 hours, though they owed me 82. They knew I was leaving and couldn't fight them over it. The union did get me something. If I come back with papers within two years, I'll get my job back.

This law is very unjust. We're doing jobs that are heavy and dirty. We work day and night to help our children have a better life, or just to eat. My work is the only support for my family. Now my children won't have what they need.

Many people are frightened now. They don't want to complain or fight about anything because they're afraid they might get fired. They think if we keep fighting, the immigration will pick us up. They have families here. What will happen to their children? Nobody knows. They worry that what's happened to me might happen to them.

I can't afford to live here for months without working. I came to this country to work for my children. But if this is what happens because I've been fighting and struggling, I'd rather leave, and go home and live with my children. In the end, they need me more.

So I guess I'll go back to Tierra Blanca. I'll work in the fields or try selling food there. My family says the economic situation at home is very hard. I'm not bringing much money home. But I like to work, and I know I'll find a way.

For more articles and images, see http://dbacon.igc.org

See also Illegal People -- How Globalization Creates Migration and Criminalizes Immigrants (Beacon Press, 2008)

Recipient: C.L.R. James Award, best book of 2007-2008

http://www.beacon.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=2002

See also the photodocumentary on indigenous migration to the US

Communities Without Borders (Cornell University/ILR Press, 2006)

http://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/cup_detail.taf?ti_id=4575

See also The Children of NAFTA, Labor Wars on the U.S./Mexico Border (University of California, 2004)

http://www.ucpress.edu/books/pages/9989.html

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WCWC on Facebook!

2010-07-11T22:20:00.000-07:00

√ Us Out On Facebook!

√ Vea Nosotros Estamos En Facebook!

Including/Incluyendo:

+United Farm Workers on The Colbert Report!

+Kim Bobo of Interfaith Worker Justice on Wage Theft!

+Ann Arbor City Council Speaks Out Against Arizona/Ayuntamiento de Ann Arbor Habla en Contra de Arizona!

+Jasmine Franco Shares Her Story/Jasmine Franco Comparta Su Historia!

WCWC-WICIR Community Social ~ Evento Social de la Comunidad

2010-07-11T19:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to the WCWC-WICIR Community Social this past Friday and thanks to the First United Church for making it all possible by hosting everyone! The event was fantastic: tons of people made it out; we had lots of wonderful food brought by community members and donated by the Ann Arbor People's Food Co-Op, ZZ's Produce, and Dos Hermanos -but it didn't last long; there was a great performance by the children's ballet folklorico; and we got to enjoy the cool beats of DJ Chepe!

Gracias a cada uno que vinieron a el Evento Social para la Comunidad del WCWC-WICIR este Viernes pasado y muchas gracias a la First United Methodist Church por hacerla posible! El evento fue fantastico: habian mucha gente; comimos mucha comida fabuloso de la comunidad y donado por Ann Arbor People's Food Co-Op, ZZ's Produce, and Dos Hermanos -pero se desaparecio muy rapidamente; habian un gran funcionamiento del grupo ballet folklorico de ninos; y gozamos la musica tan "cool" de DJ Chepe!

There was also an open forum on community needs related to immigration and labor. From this we created two task forces -one for immigration-related issues and one for labor-related issues to brainstorm solutions and take action now!

Tambian habia una platica sobre las necesidades de la comunidad relacionado por inmigracion y trabajo. De esto creamos dos grupos del trabajo -uno de inmigracion y uno del trabajo para desarollar soluciones y toma accion ahorita!

¡¡¡STAY TUNED FOR THE FORUM MINUTES AND THE DATES FOR THE TASK FORCE MEETINGS TO BE INCLUDED AND TAKE ACCION WITH US!!!

¡¡¡ESPERA POR LOS "MINUTOS" DE LA PLATICA Y LAS FECHAS DE LOS REUNIONES DE LOS GRUPOS DEL TRABAJO PARA SER INCLUIDO Y TOMAR ACCION CON NOSOTROS!!!

¡ICE ATTACK ~ ATAQUE de la MIGRA!

2010-07-11T16:50:00.000-07:00

Over the past several months, ICE (Immigrations and Customs Enforcement) has been targeting our community! ICE has been spotted throughout the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area and has detained dozens of people. Some of the detainments were done based on deportation orders and/or warrants, however others were not.

Durante los ultimos meses, ICE (la migra) ha estado atacando nuestra comunidad! ICE ha estado en varios lugares del area de Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti y ha detenido docenas de gente. Algunas de los detenidos fueron realizados por caso de ordenes de deportacion y/o ordenes de jueces, sin embargo otros no fueron.

Most recently four people were detained in a raid on a Canton restaurant. In this instance, ICE agents did have a warrant for one individual employed at the restaurant, but when the manager offered to bring that person from the back to the agents, they forcefully entered the back and began questioning everyone present about their immigration status.

Mas recentemente cuatro personas fueron detenidos durante una redada en un restuarante en Canton. En este caso, los agentes de ICE tuvieron un orden por un persona que estaba trabajando al restuarante, pero cuando el supervisor ofrecio a traer la persona desde atras en la cocina hasta los agentes, ellos entraron la cocina con mucha fuerza y empezaron a preguntar cada persona en la cocina sobre sus estatuses de inmigracion.

This is serious! We must protect our community! We CANNOT allow ICE to get away with this!

Este es muy serio! Tenemos que proteger nuestra comunidad! NO podemos permitir la migra a hacer esto!

«Here are a few facts/Aqui son algunos hechos«

ICE agents have been spotted at or around/La Migra ha estado visto a o a cerca de:

*Packard Rd.

*Michigan Ave.

*Carpenter Rd.

*Holmes Rd.

*Golfside

*Prospect Rd.

*Ellsworth Rd.

*Washtenaw Ave.

*Foss Rd.

They have also targeted/Ellos han enfocado a:

*Apartments and trailer parks in the area/Apartamentos y trailas en el area

*Meijer and the Meijer gas station/ Meijer y el gasolinera Meijer

*Several other businesses/gas stations/Otros negocios o gasolineras

Here are a few suggestions:

Avoid driving when possible
Do not drive with an expired license or in a car that is not in good working condition (for example check your lights, turn signals, and do not hang anything from your rear view mirror)
If you are stopped or detained, you have the right to remain silent and ask for an attorney-the only thing you are required to tell police officers, Border Patrol agents, or ICE agents is your real name
If you are detained, you do NOT have to take ICE back to your home to get documents -they might take others
You do not need to open your door for police officers or ICE agents unless they have a warrant with your address or with the name of someone who is in the home. If the police or ICE agents say they have a warrant, ask them to hold it up in the window or slip it under the door -if you open the door to see the “warrant” and it is not a warrant, they can legally enter your home without a warrant.
Do not sign anything! Whether you are detained, jailed, or inside your home and ICE asks you to sign something to show that they visited you, they may be tricking you into signing a voluntary deportation form.
If you are detained and can make calls, call your family, call your lawyer, or call WICIR (Washtenaw Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights) at 734-355-2707

La siguiente lista contiene algunos ideas:

1) Si es posible, NO maneja

2) NO maneja con una licensia expirado, NI usa un coche que no funciona bien o que tiene luces o "blinkers" (intermitentes) que no sirve, NI ponga cosas en su espejo posterior

3) Si estara parrado, NO haga una respuesta a nigun pregunta sobre su estatus de documentacion -la unica cosa que tiene que decier a la Migra o la policia es su nombre verdadero

4) Si estara detenido, diga a ellos que esta usando su derecho de no hablar y que quiere hablar con un abogado

5) Da la policia o la Migra un "tarjeta de derechos," que puede poner en su cartera y que dice que esta usando su derecho de no hablar y de llamar a su abogado (por favor vea el conexion que esta en este correo)

6) Si estara detenido en la calle (o afuera de su casa), No traiga la Migra a sus casa por nigun razon (ni si ellos dice que quieren sus documentos). Si traiga la Migra a su casa, ellos tiene el poder de agarrar otras personas que estan en la casa.

7) Si esta en su casa, No abre la puerta por nadie (solo tiene que abrir la puerta si la policia o la Migra tienen una orden de un juez con el nombre de alguien que esta en la casa o con la direccion de la casa). Quede en su casa.

8) Si esta detenido y llevado a la carcel, No firma nada. Es posible que la Migra va a decir unas mentiras a usted y se enganan a firmar una forma de deportacion voluntaria.

9) Si puede hacer unas llamadas, llama a su familia, a WICIR (La Coalicion Interconfesional por Los Derechos Inmigrantes) a 734-355-2707

√ Out this Video for more tips on what to do when you encounter the police or ICE:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_Z_Z5tSsUs&feature=player_embedded

√ Vea este Video por mas consejo sobre que puede hacer cuando encuentra la policia o ICE (la migra):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_Z_Z5tSsUs&feature=player_embedded

Summer 2010 ICE Timeline/Verano 2010 Cronologia de la Migra

MAY 26-27/26-27 de MAYO

ICE Raid in Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti; upwards of 10 men detained

Redada en Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti; mas que 10 hombres detenidos

JUNE 4/4 de JUNIO

ICE spotted

Migra presente

JUNE 15/15 de JUNIO

ICE Raid in Ypsilanti; between 4-8 people detained

Redada en Ypsilanti; entre 4-8 personas detenidas

JUNE 16/16 de JUNIO

Mother of three US citizen children detained

Madre de tres hijos ciuadadons fue detenido

JUNE 22/22 de JUNIO

ICE spotted at Meijer gas station

Migra presente a la gasolinera de Meijer

JUNE 27-28/27-28 de JUNIO

ICE spotted near Meijer

Migra presente acerca de Meijer

JULY 2/2 de JULIO

ICE arrests 2 people en Ypsilanti

La Migra agarra 2 personas en Ypsilanti

JULY 8/8 de JULIO

ICE raids Canton restaurant; detains 4 people despite only having a warrant for 1

La Migra hace una redada en un restaurante de Canton; detena a 4 personas desafio teniendo un orden por solo una persona

ICE also follows a woman in the Meijers parking lot and questions a man with documents

Tambien la Migra sigue una mujer afuera de Meijers y pregunta a un hombre documentado

Faith In Action at FUMC

2010-07-10T17:56:00.000-07:00

√ Out the upcoming Faith In Action discussions on immigration at the FUMC:

√ Vea estos discusiones de Fe en Accion sobre inmigracion a FUMC:

You are invited to join others in our Christian family for a series
of Faith In Action discussions regarding immigration, in the
downstairs Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church, 209
Washtenaw, Ypsilanti, Michigan, 48197.

Esta invitado a unirse con otros de nuestra familia Cristiana por una serie de discursos sobre inmigracion. Estan abajo en la First United Methodist Church a 209 Washtenaw Rd. Ypsilanti Michigan 48197.

The series will be informal and will start on Sunday, July 11, 2010,
and continue each Sunday through August, 1, 2010. The session will go from

12:30 pm to 1:30 p.m. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Childcare will not be provided.

La serie sera informal y empezara el domingo el 11 de Julio 2010 y va a continuar cada domingo hasta el primero de Agosto 2010. La serie es de 12:30 hasta 1:30 de la tarde. Habra refescos, pero no habra cuidado de ninos.

The objective is to provide an opportunity to express thoughts, fears
and concerns regarding immigration policies in the U.S., and to learn
a little bit about and begin to understand a few of the many
complexities of this current front-page issue. It is inadvisable to
take a position on an issue with which we are not fully conversant.
This series will tie in topically with the Isaiah 58 National Prayer Vigil and
Fast; Michigan's designated time, along with several other states, is
July 11 - 17.

El objetivo es de crear una oportunidad para expresar pensamientos, terrores y preocupaciones a cerca de las politicas de inmigracion en los Estados Unidos, y para aprender un poco y comprender un poco sobre las complejidades de esta tema. No es recomendado tomar una posicion sobre un tema si no lo conocemos. Esta serie conectara con Isaiah 58 National Prayer Vigil y Fast; el tiempo de Michigan, como otros estados, es July 11-17.

¡More than the Minimum ~ Mas que el Minimo!

2010-06-29T21:28:00.001-07:00

What is the "living wage" or wage needed to support a family in Washtenaw County? Find out now! Que es el "salario de sobreviviendo" or el pago que es necesario para sostener una familia en el Condado de Washtenaw? Aprendalo ahorita!

Hourly Wages/Pagos Por Hora	One Adult/Un Adulto	One Adult & One Child/Un Adulto & Un Niño	Two Adults/Dos Adultos	Two Adults & One Child/Dos Adultos & Un Niño	Two Adults & Two Children/Dos Adultos & Dos Niños
Living Wage/Salario de Sobreviviendo	$9.65	$18.27	$14.48	$23.10	$29.81
Poverty Wage/Salario de Pobreza	$5.04	$6.68	$6.49	$7.81	$9.83
Minimum Wage/Salario Minimo	$7.40	$7.40	$7.40	$7.40	$7.40

http://www.livingwage.geog.psu.edu/counties/26161

Wage Theft - El Robo de Salarios

2010-06-29T20:55:00.000-07:00

√Check out what we learned at the Interfaith Worker Justice (www.iwj.org) training in Chicago:

√ Vea lo que hemos aprendido a el entrenamiento de Justicia Interconfesional del Trabajador (www.iwj.org) en Chicago:

Wage Theft

What is wage theft?

Wage theft covers a variety of violations that occur when workers do not receive the wages they are legally or contractually owed.
Wage theft is illegal. If your employer refuses to pay you the wages you are owed, he or she could be charged with a misdemeanor offense, fines and/or other penalties by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Michigan Department of Labor.
Examples of wage theft include not being paid overtime, not receiving a final check, not being paid all of the hours worked, not being paid minimum wage, or not being paid at all.
You have the legal right to be paid for your work regardless of your documentation status.

If you think you may have experienced wage theft, call the Washtenaw County Workers’ Center: (734) 474-7107

El Robo de Salarios

¿Qué es el robo de salarios?

El robo de salarios cubre una variedad de infracciones que ocurren cuando los trabajadores no reciben sus salarios legalmente o contractualmente debidos.
El robo de salario, o no pago de salario, es ilegal. Si su empleador se rehúsa a pagarle el salario que le debe, él o ella podría enfrentar cargos por un delito menor, multas y/openalidades impuestas por el Departamento del Trabajo de los Estados Unidos y por el Departamento del Trabajo del Estado de Michigan.
Ejemplos comunes del robo de salarios incluyen el no pagar del tiempo extra, el no entregar del ultimo cheque a los trabajadores después de terminar el empleo, el no pagar de todos las horas de trabajo, el no pagar del salario mínimo, y incluso trabajando sin pago.
Usted tiene el derecho a recibir el pago por su trabajo sin importa el estatus de documentación.

Si piensa que es posible que ha experimentado robo de salario, llame al Centro de Trabajadores de Washtenaw: (734) 474-7107

US Social Forum - Foro Social Estadounidense

2010-06-21T12:25:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about the US Social Forum?

Has oido del Foro Social Estadounidense?

√ Check out this excerpt from http://www.ussf2010.org/:

What is the US Social Forum?

"The US Social Forum (USSF) is a movement building process. It is not a  conference but it is a space to come up with the peoples’ solutions to the  economic and ecological crisis. The USSF is the next most important step in our  struggle to build a powerful multi-racial, multi-sectoral, inter-generational,  diverse, inclusive, internationalist movement that transforms this country and  changes history.

We must declare what we want our world to look like and we  must start planning the path to get there. The USSF provides spaces to learn  from each other’s experiences and struggles, share our analysis of the problems  our communities face, build relationships, and align with our international  brothers and sisters to strategize how to reclaim our world."

√ Vea este extracto de http://www.ussf2010.org:

Qué es el Foro Social Estadounidense?

"El Foro Social Estadounidense (conocido por sus siglas en inglés, USSF) es un proceso para fortalecer los movimientos. No es una conferencia, sino un espacio para elaborar soluciones del pueblo para las crisis económicas y ecológicas. El USSF es el próximo paso en nuestra lucha para construir un movimiento poderoso, multi-racial, de muchos sectores, de varias generaciones, diverso, inclusivo, e internacional que transforma este país y cambia la historia.

Debemos describir el mundo en que queremos vivir y debemos forjar el camino para lograr esa meta. El USSF ofrece un espacio para aprender el uno del otro de nuestras experiencias y luchas, para compartir nuestro análisis de los problemas que enfrentamos en nuestras comunidades, para construir relaciones y alinearnos con nuestros hermanos y hermanas internacionales para crear estrategias para reclamar nuestro mundo."

Interested? The Social Forum will be held in DETROIT from June 22-26! Join us and 1000's of others who care about improving working conditions in our communities!

Estas interesado? El Foro Social va estar en DETROIT del 22 de Junio hasta el 26! Unase a nosotros y 1000's de otros que quieren mejorar condiciones laborales en nuestras comunidades!

WCWC NOW ON TWITTER and FACEBOOK! WCWC NOW ESTA EN TWITTER y FACEBOOK!

2010-04-02T16:22:00.001-07:00

http://twitter.com/WCWCNOW
http://www.facebook.com/pages/WCWC-NOW/110724062286245?ref=ts

2010 CENSUS

2010-04-02T16:17:00.000-07:00

2010-04-02T15:32:00.001-07:00

WCWC NOW! Are you a household worker that would like to share your opinion and get paid $10.00? If so, please contact the WCWC at (734)474-7107 to schedule an interview at your convenience.

¿Está usted una trabajadora del hogar y quiere compartir su opinión y gana $10.00? ¡Si tiene interés, por favor contacta al WCWC (734)474-7101 para hacer una cita!

WCWC ESL!

2010-04-02T14:55:00.001-07:00

Food Stamp Advocacy Project --Asistencia Con Estampillas de Comida y Mas

2010-04-02T14:30:00.001-07:00

Vea esta proyecto!

Si usted es un inmigrante que vive en el estado de Michigan, tiene hijos menores de edad nacidos en los Estados Unidos, y requiere ayuda para aplicar a los programas de asistencia publica adminstrado por el estado de Michigan acerquese a las oficinas de Food Stamp Advocacy Project.

El proyecto es de la Escuela de Ley de la Universidad de Michigan. Ellos prestan servicios GRATUITOS y ayudan en el proceso de aplicacion a los siguientes programas administrados por el estado de Michigan y manejan por el Departamiento de Servicios Humanos (DHS).

PUEDEN AYUDAR CON:

ASISTENCIA MONETARIA

ESTAMPILLAS DE COMIDA

CUIDADO DE NINOS

SERVICIOS MEDICOS

Comuniquese con ellos a: (734) 998-6924

If you are an immigrant that lives in Michigan, has young children that were born in the United States, and would like help to apply for public assistance programs administrated by Michigan check out the Food Stamp Advocacy Project.

It is a U of M Law School project that offers FREE services and can help with the application process for the following state assistance programs.

HELP WITH:

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

FOOD STAMPS

CHILDCARE

MEDICAL SERVICES

For more info call: (734) 998-6924

What is a Doula? Que es una Doula?

2010-04-02T13:57:00.000-07:00

I recently found out about Doulas Care and wanted to share this:

In general, a Doula is a woman who has been trained to provide special support for women during the childbearing year.

There are two kinds of Doulas: Birth Doulas and Postpartum Doulas

Birth Doulas provide prenatal support to pregnant women and help them prepare for the birth of their babies. Postpartum Doulas assist new mom's and their families after their babies are born; this includes in-home care and support. Doulas do not provide medical care, but instead provide important social, emotional, and educational support and can also provide support during labor.

Doula services are free for those who qualify, and low-cost for those who do not meet income eligibility.

Check out: www.DoulasCare.org or call (734) 332-8070 for more information!

Acabo de descubrir de Doulas Care y me gustaria compartir este:

Una Doula es una mujer que puede proporcione apoyo especial por madres antes y despues del nacimiento de sus bebes.

Hay dos tipos de Doulas. Doulas que apoya durante un embarazo ofrece apoyo con la preparacion para el parto, incluyendo respondiendo de preguntas, creando un plan para el nacimiento, con citas prenatales, y la obtencion de recursos. Doulas que apoya despues del parto de un bebe puede ir a la casa de la madres para apoyar con educacion de lactancia y para determinar si la madre sufre de depresion postparto. Doulas no ofrece apoyo medico, pero ofrece apoyo social, emocional, y educacional que es muy importante y puede apoyar madres cuando el parto inicia tambien.

Los servicios de Doulas Care son gratis por gente que califica y muy bajo por ellos que no califica.

Vea: www.DoulasCare.org or llama a (734) 478-0045 por mas informacion!

HUNGRY for JUSTICE! HAMBRE de JUSTICIA!

2010-04-02T13:29:00.000-07:00

ROC-MICHIGAN (Restaurant Opportunities Center) is hungry for justice! Why? Andiamo (an Italian restaurant) is guilty of several violations:

*ignoring Michigan's minimum wage

*ignoring sexual harassment complaints

*discriminating based on gender, race, and national origin

Join them in protest tonight and every Friday evening o

utside Andiamo in Dearborn!

Find more details:

http://www.michigandaily.com/content/u-students-protest-andiamo-restaurant-dearborn

Check out ROC-MI on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Restaurant-Opportunities-Center/219086881098?ref=ts

ROC-MICHIGAN (Centro de Oportunidades de Restaurantes) tiene hambre de justicia! Por Que? Andiamo (un restaurante Italiano) es culpable de al

gunos violaciones:

*desatendiendo el salario minimo de Michigan

*desatendiendo denuncias del acoso sexual

*discriminando por genero, raza, y pais de origen

Unase a ellos y protesta esta noche y cada viernes afuera de Andiamo que esta en Dearborn!

Encuentra mas detallas:

http://www.michigandaily.com/content/u-student

s-protest-andiamo-restaurant-dearborn

Mira ROC-MI on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Restaurant-Opportunities-Center/219086881098?ref=ts

National Domestic Workers Alliance and the 2010 Social Forum - Alianza Nacional de Trabajadores Domesticos y el Foro Social 2010

2010-03-14T15:38:00.000-07:00

As a worker center that focuses on household work, we are a member organization of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. Check out their awesome webpage for more info: http://www.nationaldomesticworkeralliance.org/

Como un centro de trabajadores que especialicese en trabajo de hogar o de casas, estamos un miembro de la gran organizacion la Alianza Nacional de Trabajdores Domesticos.
Vea su webpage spectacular por mas informacion: http://www.nationaldomesticworkeralliance.org/

A few of us were lucky enough to attend the NDWA West Coast Congress this past fall. To learn more and see pictures of the march and training sessions, check out our blog: http://wcwcnow.blogspot.com/2009/12/alianza-nacional-de-trabajadores-del.html
Algunos de nosotros eran fortunada y fuimos a el Congreso del Oeste de NDWA el otono pasado. Para aprenda mas y vea las fotos de la protesta en San Francisco y los entrenamientos del congreso, vea nuestra blog: http://wcwcnow.blog

spot.com/2009/12/alianza-nacional-de-trabajadores-del.html

The NDWA is going to have a meeting this june here in Detroit at the US Social Forum: http://ussf2010.org/

We are going to be there with them -join us!

La NDWA va a tener un reunion este Junio aqui en Detroit a la Foro Social de los EU: http://ussf2010.org/

Vamos a estar aqui -unase con nosotros!

Negotiation & Worker Rights/ Negociación y Derechos Laborales

2010-03-09T18:22:00.000-08:00

You’re Invited To A Negotiation and Worker Rights Training Session!
Learn about YOUR rights and how to USE them!
WHERE: LEO/GEO Office, 330 E. Liberty St. Suite 3F, Ann Arbor
WHEN: 2:45-5:00 PM, Sunday March 21st
Childcare & Food will be provided!

Household Workers’ Organizing Project
The Household Workers’ Organizing Project is a new project of the Washtenaw County Workers’ Center (WCWC). Household workers do work that is vital to the economy, such as cleaning homes and looking after families. Although the work they do is imperative, household workers are often underpaid, overworked and unfairly treated.

What is the Washtenaw County Workers’ Center (WCWC)?
The WCWC (http://workercenter.org/) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2006 by volunteers from community organizations and U of M, which is dedicated to providing a safe space for low-wage workers to come together and solve work-related problems. Join us! Together, we can make Washtenaw County a safer and more respectful place for all workers.

Venga a Nuestra Próxima Reunión de
Negociación y Derechos del Trabajadores!
Aprenda sobre SUS derechos y como puede USARLOS!
DONDE: LEO/GEO Office, 330 E. Liberty St. Suite 3F, Ann Arbor
CUANDO: 2:45-5:00 PM, Domingo el 21 de Marzo
Vamos a tener cuidado de ninos y refrescos!

El Proyecto de Trabajadores de Hogar
El Proyecto de Trabajadores de Hogar es un nuevo proyecto del Centro de Trabajadores del Condado Washtenaw (WCWC). Los trabajadores de hogar hacen trabajo que es vital para la economía y la vida familiar. Aunque el trabajo que hacen es sumamente importante, muchas veces los trabajadores son mal pagados, sobre exigidos, y tratados injustamente.

Que es el Centro del Trabajadores de Condado Washtenaw (WCWC)?
El WCWC (http://workercenter.org/) es una organización sin fines de lucro que empezó en 2006 con voluntarios de las organizaciones de la comunidad y el “U de M”, el que es dedicada a ofrecer un espacio seguro en nuestra comunidad para los trabajadores con bajo sueldo, para que se unan y busquen soluciones para los problemas que enfrentan en sus trabajos.¡Únanse a nosotros! Unidos, podemos convertir nuestra comunidad en un lugar más seguro y más respetuoso para todos los trabajadores.

Online Infant and Child CPR/Choking Diagrams...

2010-01-19T20:12:00.000-08:00

BE PREPARED!
Check out these helpful CPR/Choking Diagrams:

CPR-
http://depts.washington.edu/learncpr/infantcpr.html

Choking-
http://depts.washington.edu/learncpr/chokeconscious-child.html

http://depts.washington.edu/learncpr/chokeconsciousinfant.html

Quiz Yourself!
http://depts.washington.edu/learncpr/userquiz.html

CPR Training - Entrenamiento de CPR

2009-12-27T16:44:00.000-08:00

Are You Ready for an Emergency?
Prepare Yourself with Red Cross Child and Infant CPR Training!

• Join us at the WCWC’s first CPR information/education seminar. Learn how to protect your family, friends, and coworkers in an emergency.

• The session will be led by a representative from the Red Cross.

• Participants will receive a WCWC CPR Seminar diploma!

• This meeting will take place Sunday, January 31st from 2:45-5:15pm. It will be located at the First United Methodist Church (209 Washtenaw Avenue) in Ypsilanti!

• We will also have refreshments from Pilar's.

• Childcare will be provided.

• We invite you to come to come to this very important meeting! If you have any questions or if you need help finding transportation to the meeting, please call 734-474-7107

 Estas Listo en el Caso de un Emergencia?
¡Preparate con un Entrenamiento de CPR de Ninos y Bebes del Cruz Roja!

• Venga al primera entrenamiento de CPR del Centro de Trabajadores. Aprenda como puedes proteger su familia, amigos, y coworkers cuando haya un emergencia.

• Un representative del Cruz Roja va a dar el entrenamiento.

• Vamos a darles un diploma de CPR del Centro de Trabajadores a los participantes!

• La reunión está el 31 de Enero, desde 2:45-5:15 de la tarde. En la Primera Iglesia Metodista Unida (209 Washtenaw Avenue) en Ypsilanti!

• Vamos a tener refrescos de Pilar's y cuidado de ninos tambien.

• Si tiene interés, les invitamos a venir a esta reunión tan importante! Si tiene preguntas o si necesita transportación, por favor llama 734-474-7107!

Recetas del Limpieza Sin Quimicos Toxicos / Non-Toxic Cleaning Recipes

2009-12-17T14:02:00.000-08:00

Tub and Sink Cleaner/Limpiador de Banera y Lavamanos

-Baking Soda/Bicarbonato de Sodio

-Murphy's Oil Soap/Jabon de Castilla

Window and Mirror Cleaner/Limpiador de Vidrios y Espejos

-Vinegar/Vinagre

-Water/Auga

Toilet Bowl Cleaner/Limpiador de Inodoros (Sanitari0)

-Baking Soda/Bicarbonato de Sodio

-Murphy's Oil Soap/Jabon de Castilla

Linoleum Floor Cleaner/Limpiador de Pisos de Linoleo

-1/2 Cup Vinegar/ 1/2 Taza de Vinagre

-Bucket of Warm Water/Cubeta/Balde con Agua Tibia

All-Purpose Cleaner/Multilipiador

-Murphy's Oil Soap/Jabon de Castilla

Drain Cleaner/Limpiador de Desague

1)1/2 Cup Baking Soda/ 1/2 Taza de Bicarbonato de Sodio

2)1/2 Cup Vinegar/ 1/2 Taza de Vinagre

3)Wait a few minutes/Esperate unos pocos minutos.

4)Boiling Water/Agua Hirviendo

Oven Cleaner/Limpiador de Horno

-Baking Soda/Bicarbonato de Sodio

-Water/Auga

Entrenamiento del Limpieza Sin Quimicos Toxicos / Non-Toxic Cleaning Training

2009-12-17T13:41:00.000-08:00

Get Certified in “Non-Toxic Cleaning”!

December 6th we held our first ever non-toxic cleaning training. During the session we discussed the dangers of cleaning products that contain toxic chemicals, ways to stay safe while cleaning, and non-toxic cleaning alternatives. At the end of the session, participants were certified in non-toxic cleaning!

Here are a couple cleaning tips:

1) Always read product labels and be on the look-out for the following signal words/Siempre lea las advertencias en la etiqueta y busca por estos palabras:

Caution/Precaucion

Warning/Aviso

Danger/Peligro

Poison/Veneno

Corrosive/Corrosivo

Flammable/Inflamable

Products with these labels are likely to be harmful/Productos con estos palabras sea perjudicial!

2) Always protect yourself/Protega su mismo siempre!

Wear gloves, masks, and goggles to prevent exposure to toxic chemicals/Use guantes, lentes de proteccion, y mascaras

If you have to use dangerous products, use a buddy-system in case of emergencies/Si tienes que usar productos peligrosos, pidale a alguien que este presente

3) Never mix AMONIA & BLEACH/Nunca mezcle AMONIA con Clorox!

This creates dangerous chemical reactions/Esta mezcle forma gases venenosos!

Alianza Nacional de Trabajadores del Hogar - National Domestic Worker Alliance - More Photos!

2009-12-17T13:35:00.001-08:00

Alianza Nacional de Trabajadores del Hogar - National Domestic Worker Alliance

2009-12-17T13:08:00.001-08:00

Congreso del Oeste - West Coast Congress -2009

We recently went to the second annual National Domestic Worker Alliance conference in San Francisco. What is the NDWA you might ask?

The National Domestic Worker Alliance is an alliance of domestic and household workers in the United States and is a vehicle to build powernationally as a workforce. NDWA is organizing to improve the living and working conditions of domestic workers; win respect and justice from employers and government for exploited domestic workers; change the racism and sexism that has led to the persistent devaluing of this labor so that workers, their children, and the general public honor the dignity of domestic work; end the exclusion of domestic workers from recognition and protection; and continue a brave legacy of resistance by supporting movement-building among domestic workers and other communities and workers in struggle. -NDWA

La Alianza Nacional de Trabajadores del Hogar es una alianza de trabajadores de casas y trabajadores del hogar en los EEUU y es un vehiculo para construir poder nacionalmente como gremio. La ANTH esta organizando para mejorar las condiciones de vida y laborales de las trabajadoras del hogar; ganar respecto y justicia de empleadores y el gobierno para trabajadoras explotadas; cambiar el racismo y machismo que ha creado ue este labor no esta valorado para que las trabajadoras, sus hijos, y el publico honran la dignidad del trabajo del hogar; poner un fin a lal exclusion de las trabajadoras del hogar de reconocimiento y proteccion; continuar un legado valiente de resistencia a traves de apoyar la creacion de un movimiento de trabajadoras del hogar y otras comunidades y trabajadores en la lucha. -ANTH

The conference focused on various strategies to support household workers and improve the household work sector. These ranged from negotiation and non-toxic cleaning training to tactics for multiracial/multicultural communication and organizing.

Overall, the conference was amazing! We met dozens of strong women, both household workers and organizers, who were full of

energy,hope, and knowledge. These women shared their past work and organizing experiences with us to aid us in supporting household workers in Washtenaw County.

What is the Washtenaw County Workers' Center?

2009-12-17T12:52:00.000-08:00

Household Workers’ Organizing Project

The Household Workers’ Organizing Project is a new project of the Washtenaw County Workers’ Center (WCWC). Household workers do work that is vital to the economy, such as cleaning homes and looking after families. Although the work they do is imperative, household workers are often underpaid, overworked and unfairly treated.

Since 2000, in New York and California, household workers have come together through workers centers to demand respect, improve working conditions, and increase pay. Successes include “model” contracts developed by workers and city and state laws protecting workers from abuses. The WCWC is working closely with the organizations that led these efforts including Domestic Workers United (http://www.domesticworkersunited.org/) in New York City and Mujeres Unidas y Activas (http://www.mujeresunidas.net/english/program.html) in California.

What is the Washtenaw County Workers’ Center (WCWC)?

The WCWC (http://workercenter.org) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2006 by volunteers from community organizations and U of M, which is dedicated to providing a safe space for low-wage workers to come together and solve work-related problems. We’ve held trainings on worker and immigrant rights and supported the Restaurant Opportunities Center-Michigan (ROC-MI) in its efforts to improve restaurant worker conditions in southeast Michigan. Join us! Together, we can make Washtenaw County a safer and more respectful place for all workers.

El Proyecto de Trabajadores de Hogar

El Proyecto de Trabajadores de Hogar es un nuevo proyecto del Centro de Trabajadores del Condado Washtenaw (WCWC). Los trabajadores de hogar hacen trabajo que es vital para la economía y la vida familiar. Aunque el trabajo que hacen es sumamente importante, muchas veces los trabajadores son mal pagados, sobre exigidos, y tratados injustamente.

Desde el año 2000, trabajadores de hogar han estado reuniéndose en los centros de trabajadores para exigir respecto, mejores condiciones de trabajo, y un aumento de salario. Con paciencia y dedicación, ellos han conseguido victorias en la forma de contratos “modelos” que ellos mismos han desarrollado y la adopción de leyes en ciudades y estados que promuevan la protección de los trabajadores de hogar. El WCWC está trabajando conjuntamente con aquellas organizaciones que lideraron estos esfuerzos como Trabajadoras de Casa Unida en Nueva York (http://www.domesticworkersunited.org/) y Mujeres Unidas y Activas en San Francisco (http://www.mujeresunidas.net).

Que es el Centro del Trabajadores de Condado Washtenaw (WCWC)?

El WCWC (http://workercenter.org) es una organización sin fines de lucro que emepzo en 2006 con voluntarios de las organizaciones de la comunidad y el U of M, el que es dedicada a ofrecer un espacio seguro en nuestra comunidad para los trabajadores con bajo sueldo, para que se unan y busquen soluciones para los problemas que enfrentan en sus trabajos. Hemos ofrecido entrenamientos para los trabajadores en relación con sus derechos y hemos apoyado al Centro de Oportunidades de Restaurantes (ROC-MI) para mejorar las condiciones de trabajadores en restaurantes en el sureste de Michigan. ¡Únanse a nosotros! Unidos, podemos convertir nuestra comunidad en un lugar más seguro y más respetuoso para todos los trabajadores.