California Carwash Workers Win Another Victory

[Omaha Steve]

http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/10/14/california-carwash-workers-win-another-victory/



Carwash workers in California are fighting for justice and an end to the exploitation many workers suffer at the hands of abusive carwash owners. One of the workers’ major protections—the Carwash Worker Law—was set to expire this year. But the workers and unions supporting them mobilized for its renewal. Chole Osmer, of the Clean Carwash Campaign sent us this update.

This week, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) signed into law AB 236, a bill to renew the state’s “Carwash Worker Law” and extend it to 2014. The California Labor Federation and the Community-Labor-Environmental Action Network (CLEAN) Carwash Campaign worked hard to win the bill’s passage.

Sponsored by Assembly member Sandre Swanson (D), the law requires all carwashes to register with the state, enabling the state to prevent employers who have violated labor laws in the past from continuing to do so. It also requires that carwash employers purchase a surety bond as wage insurance and contribute to the “Carwash Worker Restitution Fund,” both of which provide workers with a means to collect owed wages.

Angie Wei, California Labor Federation legislative director, says the renewed Carwash Worker Law will help improve compliance

in an industry that has been plagued with violations of basic employment laws. In addition to providing protections for workers, the law helps law-abiding carwash employers by leveling the competitive playing field and helps the state by bringing an underground industry into compliance with employment and tax law.

California leads the nation in both the number of carwashes and workers, with more than 1,600 carwashes and 22,000 workers. Many carwash employers routinely violate basic labor laws leading to unsafe and unhealthy workplaces for workers and the communities they serve.

Workers have reported being paid less than half of California’s $8 an hour minimum wage and some are paid only in tips. Many workers also endure dangerous working conditions, including exposure to toxic chemicals without proper protective gear. In March 2008, the Los Angeles Times reported that two-thirds of carwashes inspected by the state’s labor department since 2003 were out of compliance with one or more labor laws.

FULL story at link.

[Peace Patriot]

1. Love your reports! Thanks for this news! nt

[proud patriot]

2. second that

:hi:

[NMDemDist2]

3. +1 n/t

[Laelth]

4. k&r for labor. n/t

:dem:

-Laelth

[Omaha Steve]

5. Kick

[Peace Patriot]

6. kickety! nt