Newsletter Aug. 2010
Young Workers United
YWU Newsletter and Update
We love Justice for Workers!!!
The
Former Employees of the San Francisco Brewing Company Have Finally Seen Justice!
Over four years ago, five employees of the San Francisco Brewing Company came
to YWU with complaints against their employer. Alan Paul was not allowing his
workers to take breaks, scheduling workers up to 14 hours with no overtime pay,
asking his workers to sign away their rights to overtime, having his staff work
off the clock, and was verbally abusive. YWU informed these five fine folks of
their rights as workers and helped them organize a campaign against Paul to win
back wages and organize their workplace to be sure he would never treat his
workers like this again. After the workers won their case, Mr. Paul refused to
pay! But finally, justice has come and YWU has helped these folks win
approximately $30,000!
The former employees of the San Francisco Brew Co want you to match their settlement in donations to YWU so this great organization can continue to fight injustice in the workplace and educate workers that they too can demand fair compensation and respect in their jobs! Please go to https://npo.networkforgood.org/Donate/Donate.aspx?npoSubscriptionId=1002369&code=General%20Donations right now to make a donation!!!
YWU Staff
We Have A New Staff Member. YAAAAY!
As you all know, Young Workers United has been searching for a second full-time staff person and from this long search we have found him! And he was just right next door all along. We are happy to announce that Josue Arguelles, from Pride at Work SF, will be our new awesome organizer for our staff collective. Josue has been part of Pride at work for two years and has been involved in labor campaigns such as paid sick days and the San Francisco Health care ordinance. We look forward to having Josue as an integral part of Young Workers United, and expanding our capacity.
Note from Jenn:
Thank you YWU and the community for giving me the opportunity to step up from being a leader to a staff member during this time of transition in the organization. I greatly value my time with YWU both as a volunteer and a staff member. As anticipated I am becoming a Peace Corps Volunteer, stationed in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It is a two year post, I intend to stay in touch, and wish all the best for YWU and their kick-ass work! Sincerely, Jennifer Ewart
Workers Rights for All
“What do we want?” “JUSTICE!” “When do we want it?” “NOW!”
Last Week on July 22nd, Young Workers United participated in an action with Local 2 and Unite Here. This rally was to speak out against Hyatt hotels cutting their workers health care benefits; also in solidarity with the workers of the Hyatt hotels nationwide. This action was part of a nationwide action that was organized by Unite Here in different cities throughout the country including two cities in Canada! Our awesome members from YWU and our intern participated in a symbolic act of civil disobedience with Local 2 members at the San Francisco Hyatt. With this action, Local 2 and United here will gain more momentum in the fight to win for members’ benefits.
PWA
San Francisco Progressive Workers Alliance “Comes Out”
On June 16 we held a press conference to announce our newly formed coalition, the San Francisco Progressive Workers Alliance (SF PWA). We had over 150 people there and four County Supervisor to show support. SF PWA is an alliance of low-wage worker organizations in San Francisco, including the Chinese Progressive Association, La Raza Centro Legal, Filipino Community Center, Pride at Work and others. We are organizing together for a Low-Wage Worker Bill of Rights because in SF there should be NO second class workers! Keep an eye out bad employers, because PWA is putting the smack down!
Thanks Conny Ford
Community Allies Coming Together and Opening Pocketbooks
On Sunday July 18th our dear friend Conny Ford hosted a YWU fundraiser/potluck at her home. It was a beautiful day, with great food, ywu members, and Conny’s friends. That day raised $1200 for YWU!! Thanks Conny for hosting, organizing, and inviting friends to the party, and thanks Dave for the delicious BBQing, it was a great success!
Anyone who would be interested in hosting a fundraiser for YWU please contact us!!
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Young Workers United
415.621.4155
www.youngworkersunited.org
youngwork...@gmail.com
Donate Now! at:
https://npo.networkforgood.org/Donate/Donate.aspx?npoSubscriptionId=1002369&code=guide%202010