During the event, day laborers, elected officials and immigrant and community leaders will highlight how failed enforcement policies undermine workers’ rights
(Washington, DC, Friday, January 29) - AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka will be at a worker center in Pasadena, Calif., tomorrow Saturday, January 30, where he will oppose the ongoing deportations that undermine family unity and weaken rights for all workers. He will be joined by Los Angeles Labor Federation of Labor President Rusty Hicks; Pasadena City Mayor, Terry Tornek; Pasadena Councilmember, District 5, Victor Gordo; California State Labor Commissioner, Julie Su; and dozens of day laborers and workers who will share their experiences as immigrant workers.
During the event President Trumka plans to deliver the following remarks [Excerpts]:
“America’s deportation crisis is a bipartisan failure.
“And I could not come here today without saying how disappointed I am with the Obama Administration’s recent decision to send women and children back to dangerous Central American nations.
“I have an enormous amount of respect and admiration for President Obama, yet the plague of immigration raids in America is nothing less than a travesty. A human travesty.
“All over our country, those who fled violence and poverty to come here for a better life are being forced to live in fear. This is wrong and today we say once again: stop the era of deportations!
“It’s time for us to ramp up the pressure on our elected leaders. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with America’s labor movement and our allies, we are going to protect all working people.
“We demand an end to deportations and safe haven for workers who speak up on the job.
“We call on the Supreme Court to give DAPA and DACA the green light. But no matter what the justices decide, we will keep mobilizing and keep organizing.
“We shouldn’t be building walls. We should be building bridges—to security and prosperity and a better life.
“The future of immigrant workers is not in detention centers. It’s in worker centers like this one.
“So brothers and sisters, continue to stand up when your communities are under attack. Your bravery is inspiring. Your courage lifts us all.”
Contact: Gonzalo Salvador (202) 637-5018