2/27: SF Day Laborers Travel to Fairfield to Picket Employer Who Owes $$

Press Contact:
Hillary Ronen: work (415) 553-3415 cell (415) 425-9785


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAN FRANCISCO DAY LABORERS FORCED TO TRAVEL TO FAIRFIELD, CALIFORNIA TO
PICKET THEIR EMPLOYER THAT OWES THEM OVER $12,000.00 IN UNPAID WAGES

SAN FRANCISCO - Manuel and Samuel Hernandez worked for employer Ruben Cruz
from February 1, 2004 through March 10, 2004 completing several construction
projects on behalf of Mr. Cruz. Although Mr. Cruz readily admits to owing
the workers these wages, he has failed to make several appointments he made
with the workers or their attorney to make payments.

Finally, nine months after Manuel and Samuel Hernandez filed their case with
the California State Labor Commission, the workers received a judgment
totaling over $12,000.00 in unpaid wages, penalties, and interest. After
making several attempts to collect on their judgment, the workers have
decided it is time for direct action.

On Sunday, February 27, 2005, Manuel and Samuel Hernandez, other day
laborers, and allies, will travel to the home of Ruben Cruz in Fairfield,
California to hold a public picket and protest. The protest is meant to help
Manuel and Samuel Hernandez enforce their judgments, inform the public about
this unscrupulous employer, and to warn other day laborers not to work for
Ruben Cruz.

Samuel Hernandez explains, “My wife is dying in my home country. I haven’t
returned to her because I desperately need these wages to help care for her.
I’m not asking for charity, I’m simply asking to be given the wages I worked
so hard to earn.”

The workers attorney, Hillary Ronen, exclaims, “This case is unbelievable.
Since the first time, I spoke with Mr. Cruz, he admitted to owing the wages.
He showed up at the Labor Commission hearing and didn’t deny a single one of
our allegations. Meanwhile, several other workers have approached me because
Mr. Cruz robbed them of their services as well. Clearly Mr. Cruz believes he
is above the law that he can keep hiring workers without paying them.”

Manuel Hernandez adds, “Professional judgment collectors charge enormous
fees to enforce judgments that are often unenforceable. We have already
suffered enough and need all of our wages now.”

Please join Manuel and Samuel Hernandez at their protest on Sunday, February
27, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at 3529 Glenwood Drive, Fairfield, California 94534.