Unionization for Water Purifier Workers
Donation protected
Hello, I'm Yoojin, a resident of Koreatown, Los Angeles, on a mission to support immigrant women who are uniting to improve their working conditions.
As I was a single mom, I raised my children while waitressing at a restaurant, so I know how hard immigrant women workers work to support their families.
In Southern California, a Korean company rents water purifiers, and many dedicated single women work there to support their loved ones. Despite their relentless efforts, they earn just above minimum wage. These women travel to customers' homes to change purifier filters, using their personal cars, and often face expenses for vehicle issues or accidents. Injuries sustained during work, like dog bites or accidents involving falling purifiers, are not covered by the company; instead, they're expected to rely on their personal insurance and seek reimbursement later.
Adding to their burdens, when the company offers product discounts or cash back events to attract customers, it slashes incentives for its hard working employees. These women are even tasked with collecting unpaid rental payments, a task far from their original job description.
Most of these workers are Korean immigrant women in their 50s and 60s, many facing language barriers that limit their employment opportunities. Despite the injustices they endure, they persist in their roles, showing dedication to their jobs while being treated unfairly by the company. In response, they're taking the courageous step of organizing a union to demand their rights.
According to a South Korean business publication, the company's profits surged by 845% in the second quarter of the previous year, largely due to exploiting female laborers. Sadly, these benefits haven't trickled down to the very workers who made it possible.
In the United States, the unionization rate stands at around 10%, a decline from over 20% a few decades ago. There's a noticeable absence of unions with a focus on women and racial minorities.
Empowering these "water purifier ladies" is synonymous with advancing the rights of minorities and women in Southern California. They deserve our community's attention and support. Your contribution will give them the courage to persevere.
We'll use the funds to place an advertisement in a local newspaper to support the Coway USA workers' unionization effort. The remaining funds will be dedicated to creating billboards and street art to raise awareness for this cause.
Will you stand with us for immigrant women workers?
Press:
10/25/2022 LA POST
08/17/2023 LA TIMES
10/12/2023 Hani
Organizer
Yoojin Lee
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA