I'd like to share a message with you all

[backtoblue]

Last edited Sat Jul 14, 2018, 07:42 PM - Edit history (1)

I post some of my experiences in the Loners Group. I recently had to file a complaint with the labor board for not being paid for training.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1237&pid=1788

The reason I'd like to share this in General Discussion is because I believe it's each of our responsibility to stand up for those minimum wage workers who sometimes can't, or don't know their rights.

We can make our voices heard by voting, protesting, and activism. But, we can also do the small, local things that matter in our communities.

Make employers obey the law.

It's a damn good start...

[cpamomfromtexas]

1. Totally agree on the responsibility to stand up and do the right thing.

[backtoblue]

2. Absolutely

I admire the ones able to protest, the ones who call their local, state, and federal reps.

The ones who donate time and /or money. The ones who stand up for others.

When it comes down to labor rights, we are the poor majority. Rising to the call to demand equal pay, equal rights, and fair wages.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

3. K&R. Every little bit helps. I think a lot of people hesitate to speak up or act when the boss

oversteps because the situation might not feel as serious as a steel plant strike or miners facing dangerous conditions. But labor rights are eroded everywhere every day, and standing up is important. Thanks for your work.

[backtoblue]

10. Thanks!

My therapist once told me that I can't change the world. I disagree. One act of kindness at a time. One stand at a time...

[BigmanPigman]

4. This is another reason why we need strong labor unions.

I was at a parade today and whenever a union sponsored float came down the street I went full Norma Rae and they really appreciated it too.

[backtoblue]

6. Thank you!!!!

You are a hero for being on the front lines of protests and providing info for scheduled marches!!!


We all have a roll to play in our resistance!

[BigmanPigman]

7. That is what I told the guy next to me

when my sign kept hitting him in the head...it was really windy and my upper arms got a workout from holding it for over 3 hours. It is worth it though...I try to spread the word and get people excited to RESIST! I may be small and short but I have a loud voice (was a teacher in Elem School) and all the people in the parade needed to know we support them (Planned Parenthood, ACLU, all the Dem organizations, AFL-CIO, etc).

[FailureToCommunicate]

5. K & R !

[backtoblue]

11. Thank you!

What we stand for cannot be put on the back burner. It's NOW that matters. No matter your social or economic status. Now is the time to fight

[marked50]

8. Absolutely agree to stand up for what is right. Obey the law.

In 1973 I worked for a place (restaurant ) that paid no overtime. After about seven months I contacted The State Labor Department and told them of this. A few weeks later we (the employees) get called into meetings with the owners ( employees one at a time). We are told of their violations (no state people present) and that they think it was unfair for them to pay us back wages because we had understood what we were doing when we agreed to work for them. They asked us to turn over to them the payments we were due when they settled with the state. Wow. I told them No.

I am sure that this was test to see who had "ratted" them out. I got my overtime monies and was never directly reprimanded- I have no idea what the other employees did with this extortion. They then put us on "salary" (not hourly wage) and asked the same hours of us. I quit shortly thereafter.

[backtoblue]

9. Oh my shit!

They had the nerve to ask for the money that they stole from their employees be given back?!

Extortion is correct.

Make employers obey the law! I think I'm going to make this into a sign in case I need one soon.

[nolabear]

12. Absolutely. If there's no organized workers' rights advocacyvwe have to help one another.

[backtoblue]

13. Amen and amen!

At the root of it all is equality. If I stand for anything, it's equal rights, equal pay, and equal treatment. We are one people. Whether it be race, gender, or religion.

[Pacifist Patriot]

14. Excellent post!

Glad you reported them. I hope they sort themselves out.

I volunteer for a youth sports organization. When I found out they were not complying with IRS and Labor law with their employees (not egregiously and not deliberately - plain old ignorance), I whipped them in to shape. Now working to inform all the other clubs in the state organization to do the same.

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

15. I did the same for my fellow teachers once.

I was called a trouble-maker--by some of the other teachers--because people don't understand collective power--there were more than a few teachers who were anti-union. (Didn't mind taking the pay & benefits the union fought for, though.) Some will bafflingly always side with the oppressor.