Support indigenous workers unjustly fired

On October 25, indigenous Maya K'iche' workers at Bob's Tire in New Bedford, MA, were unjustly fired after they held a brief work stoppage to protest sexual harassment at their workplace and their employer's inaction. Earlier this year, a worker named Seferino sexually harassed a longtime employee named Saturnino. Saturnino reported the incident to Bob, the owner, who laughed it off and did nothing. Seferino later sexually harassed two other workers, who were too afraid of reprisal from Bob to report the abuse. A workers' committee organized the October 25 work stoppage to pressure Bob to take action against the abuser, but instead of talking with his employees, Bob called the police. The police handcuffed two of the leaders and forced the 25 protesting workers off the premises. The workers ended their protest and turned around to return to work, but Bob refused to let them return. Some have worked for Bob for 10, 15 and even 20 years. Most are fathers, with as many as 5 or 6 children to support, and now they are left without jobs or paychecks.

These men take pride in their work, and they want to return to their jobs. Centro Comunitario de Trabajadores is collecting funds so the workers can pay their rent and purchase food for their families while they seek a solution.