A Call for Justice for New York’s Farmworkers!

LongIsland_horizontal_color_web_transparent

In an effort to bolster New York State’s economic development, Governor Cuomo has hosted a beer, wine and spirits summit, a yogurt summit, and a tourism summit to support local industries and promote job creation. But why hasn’t there been a farmworker justice summit?

New York’s farmworkers form the backbone of the state’s multi-billion dollar agricultural industry, but they are excluded from basic labor law protections like minimum wage requirements, overtime pay and the right to join a union, to name a few.

Many enjoy biting into a crisp apple or a sipping on a glass of wine, but how do these fruits get from the farm to our tables? Join the Justice for Farmworkers Coalition tomorrow, June 17th, at 12pm in front of Governor Cuomo’s Hicksville office (303 Old Country Road) as we rally for accountability along the supply chain and demand justice for New York’s farmworkers! Governor Cuomo’s daughter has called for support for farmworkers, now it is the Governor’s turn!

If you are unable to attend tomorrow, please join us on Thursday, June 26th at 6:30pm at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Shelter Rock (45 Shelter Rock Road, Manhasset) for a screening of The Harvest/La Cosecha and a panel discussion. The Harvest/La Cosecha is the story of the children who work 12-14 hour days on American farms without the protection of child labor laws and subject to heat exposure, pesticides, and dangerous work (event details below).

Don’t forget to RSVP with Anita Halasz (ahalasz.lijwj@gmail.com // (631) 348-1170 x. 304) if you plan to attend.

La Cosecha The Harvest Film Flyer

Father’s Day Vigil Against Deportations – Weather Update

LongIsland_horizontal_color_web_transparent

Our Father’s Day Vigil against deportations is still on for tonight; however due to the rain, we will no longer be marching from Hempstead Turnpike. Instead we will meet at 6pm across from the Nassau Correctional Center by East Meadow High School where parking is available. If using public transportation, you can take the N16/N17 bus to this location. Hope to see you all there!

HELP STOP THE DEPORTATION OF WILFREDIS!

LongIsland_horizontal_color_web_transparent

Yesterday’s primary election defeat of Republican Majority Leader Eric Cantor by the Tea Party has already been tagged as the “death of Comprehensive Immigration Reform” for 2014. A few weeks ago, President Obama put on hold his call for more “humane” deportation policies in the hope that this would move immigration reform in the House. So, now what?

We cannot remain silent in the face of this political paralysis. Join us on June 12th at 6 PM for  a Long Island Jobs with Justice “Father’s Day” vigil in East Meadow to “Stop the Deportations.”  This vigil is especially poignant and important because we will feature one undocumented immigrant, Wilfredis Ayala Castillo, who was arrested in January for unknowingly walking onto private property and now sits in an Alabama detention center awaiting deportation, separated from his wife and 5 year old son, Justin. Give us one hour tomorrow to be the voice for Wilfredis, and the 11 million other hard-working, undocumented immigrants like him who face a similar fate. Help bring Wilfredis home to his family.

Estimado amigos,

Ayer en la perdida de las elecciones primarias del republicano líder de la minoría Eric Cantor por el Tea Party ya se ha etiquetado como la “muerte de la reforma integral de inmigración” para el 2014. Hace unas semanas, el presidente Obama detenio su llamada para revizo a  las deportaciónes  en la esperanza de que se movería la reforma migratoria en la Casa. Así que, ¿ahora qué?

No podemos permanecer en silencio frente a esta parálisis político. Insto a que se unan con nosotros mañana, el 12 de junio a las 6pm  para una  vigilia en honor al Día del padre en East Meadow para “Alto a las deportaciones”. Esta vigilia es especialmente importante porque vamos a apoyar a un inmigrante indocumentado, Wilfredis Ayala Castillo, quien fue detenido en enero por  caminando a la propiedad privada  y ahora se encuentra en un centro de detención de deportación en  Alabama, separado de su esposa y hijo de 5 años, Justin. Danos una hora de su tiempo mañana para ser la voz de Wilfredis, y los otros 11 millones de trabajadores, los inmigrantes indocumentados como él, que se enfrentan a un destino similar.Ayuda a traer a  Wilfredis a casa con su familia.

Wilfredis Vigil 6.12.14

Wilfredis Vigilia

Nassau County Legislators Ride NICE bus

10257149_627313447344464_1624976999206426171_n DSC_0061 DSC_0059 1901944_627313430677799_475151772469795833_n

This week, Executive Director Anita Halasz and Organizer Aaron Watkins-Lopez rode the bus with Nassau County Legislators Siela Bynoe (LD2) and Laura Curran (LD5) through their districts to speak to riders and find out what the experience for daily bus users is. With the threat of upcoming service cuts due to a $3.3 million deficit, the support of county Legislators is amazing! ‪#‎NICEneedsNassau

REGISTER TODAY For Our Working But Still Poor Conference!

good logo OFFICIAL

Register today for our 4th Annual Working But Still Poor Conference, being held on Friday, March 28th. This year’s conference will address how we can organize around systemic injustice on Long Island at a time when our federal government is stalling. Visit “Conference” under  for a full list of workshop descriptions and presenters!

Our opening keynote speaker this year will be prominent Long Island civil rights attorney, Frederick Brewington, Esq., and our closing keynote speaker will be Congressman Tim Bishop!

REGISTER TODAY!

If you have any difficulties with or questions about registering, please contact us at 631-348-1170 ext. 310 or lijwj01@gmail.com.

We look forward to your participation!

JwJ WBSP 2014 flyer

Save the Date: 4th Annual Working But Still Poor Conference!

good logo OFFICIAL

Do not miss our 4th Annual Working But Still Poor Conference on Friday, March 28th, 2014! Our conference theme this year is organizing in solidarity for economic justice on Long Island. Our workshops will reflect on the specific needs of our communities and how we can organize around the systemic structures that keep people struggling. Topics include navigating systems to help immigrants, organizing to meet Long Island’s transportation needs, moving from charity to social justice advocacy, and many more!

The Conference will be held on Friday, March 28th, from 8:30am to 2:30pm at Touro Law Center in Central Islip. Early-registration (before March 10th) is $25 and late or on-site registration will be $30. Registration fee includes both breakfast and lunch.

Registration sign-up will be available soon.

Hope to see you all there!

JwJ WBSP 2014 StD Flyer

 

Giving “Thanks” on a “Thankless” Day

On November 29th, in accordance with the Black Friday Day of Action, Long Island Jobs with Justice and our allies held two Worker Appreciation actions at the Valley Stream and Setauket Walmarts. This Black Friday, hundreds of actions took place all around the country telling Walmart that workers and families will not stand for the exploitation of our communities any longer. We gave “Thank You” cards to over 100 associates to demonstrate our appreciation for all of their hard work during this holiday season and to show them that their communities support them.

Before the action, one Setauket associate reached out to us about what she wished could be changed at her store:

“I want to see 90% full time, permanent positions, better wages, and better benefits. I applied for permanent, full time and I was hired as a part time, temporary employee. Now I spend every week begging for any spare hours they have just to try to make a decent check. […] Also, if you bring people in for the holidays, they deserve the same holiday discount and holiday pay as permanent employees.” She signed her letter “Hard Working Mom”.

This hard working mother’s wish mirrors the wishes of countless Walmart associates nationwide on a day where the stores are packed and the hours are long. This Black Friday also marks the 5 year anniversary of the death of Jdimytai Damour, a Valley Stream Walmart security guard who was trampled in 2008.  Walmart has yet to pay the $7,000 it was fined by OSHA for failing to protect its employees. In the past 5 years, this Valley Stream Walmart has doubled in size and has opened its doors on Black Friday at 6 pm on Thanksgiving, yet workers have yet to see any benefits for their hard work and sacrifices.