When South Florida Jobs with Justice was formed in 2001, one of its priorities was to emphasize immigrant workers rights. The Immigrant Worker Rights Committee was one of the first committees formed and has had consistent, active participation. Both immigrant community organizations and union members’ support have been crucial to the strength of this committee.

 

Some of the activities have included:  

• Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride in 2001- departed from Miami for Washington DC and New York. It took the proud message throughout the country:

                

                *  Legalization and a road to citizenship for all immigrant workers 

                    in this country.

                *  The right to re-unite families.

                *  Protection of worker rights on the job without regard to legal status.

                *  Protection of the civil rights and liberties of all.

• Supporting immigrant workers right to organize at Point Blank Factory in Broward.

• Building community support for Haitian nursing home workers at Mount Sinai Nursing Home accused of using voodoo to win their union election.

• Building support from Labor unions for equal treatment for Haitian Refugees and an end to indefinite incarceration of Haitian refugees.

• In December 2002, the committee organized a “Fast for Freedom” to building pressure to release Haitian children in detention.

• Local campaigns for immigrant rights including access to driver’s licenses, healthcare and in-state tuition.

• Supporting TPS for Haitian and Dominicans – August 2004 Press Conference

• Drivers Licenses Campaign-holding meetings asking for support with elected officials, community organizations, local businesses, etc.

The committee consists of two co-chairs: Herman Martinez and Laura Santa-Maria; a media coordinator: Kathy Bird, an interpreter: David Skovholt, a secretary: Noemi Palma, and various organizations.