Pinoy Workers Protest vs. ‘Workplace Abuse’ in California
By Steve Angeles, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau
Posted at 07/03/2015 2:38 PM
LONG BEACH, California – Filipinos joined hotel workers, community activists and city officials to air their grievances along Long Beach’s downtown waterfront district.
“We’re really concerned about how house workers are treated particularly because we’ve been hearing about cases of harassment on the job,” said Nikole Cababa of BAYAN USA.
Princess Manuel of feminist group AF3irm added, “We’re here to demand justice against sexual violence that they experience because of their vulnerable positions.”
They said workers are forced to endure hard labor, lifting as many as 18 beds that each weigh 120 pounds. They are also vulnerable to abuse.
Statistics claim that over 80 percent of female hotel housekeepers have experienced abuse, including sexual, verbal, and physical from guests or from fellow staff and management.
“This kind of abuse they experience in the workplace is actually affecting them psychologically, emotionally, physically and we’re calling on hotel management and the city of Long Beach to protect the rights of these working women,” said Theresa Jaranilla of GABRIELA.
Protesters made their way through some of the hotels before reaching Long Beach City hall.
With hotels playing a major role in Long Beach’s economy, city officials marched with the community saying they will find solutions.
“We’re working with employee groups as well as talking to hotel management to see what kinds of resolutions we can come together with,” said Councilman Roberto Uranga.
Councilman Uranga, who represents Long Beach’s largest Filipino concentration on the West Coast, said that the council will consider passing laws.