Dolores Huerta Labor Institute

On Monday, November 9, 2009, Ana Luz González and Ruth Milkman, co-authors of a new study:  BROKEN LAWS, UNPROTECTED WORKERS: VIOLATIONS OF EMPLOYMENT AND LABOR LAWS IN AMERICA’S CITIES, spoke to students and faculty at LA Trade-Technical College about their study.

This study, released on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 documents the shocking extent to which those employees who work for the lowest wages in the country are also cheated out of their already meager compensation—and a disturbing amount of those abuses are perpetrated right here in L.A.  The study, funded by the Ford, Joyce, Haynes and Russell Sage Foundations, documents wage violations, unpaid overtime, intimidation to prevent workers who are injured on the job from filing claims for Worker’s Compensation and retaliation against workers who attempt to assert their legal rights.

The authors gave a compelling presentation and answered questions from the audience.  Many students had questions about their own personal experiences with employment law violations in their workplace.

On November 5, 2009, author Susan Philips came to a Sociology class taught by Pat Allen at LA Valley College.  Susan spoke to students about the process of writing her book, "In the Heart of Another: Immigrant Women Tell Their Stories" and the lessons learned from the women whose stories she tells in her book. 

Students in the class had the opportunity to ask questions and to share their own stories about experiences they had living in this country as immigrants or as those who know immigrants.  Ms. Philips enjoyed her experience with the students and is due to return to speak to students at LA Southwest College next spring.

Brieanne from the Garment Worker Center speaks to students at Harbor College to Ellen Joiner and Bill Loiterman's classes after a screening of the documentary film, "Made in LA."

Students asked Brieanne questions about the garment industry in Los Angeles and about Forever 21.

  On October 12, 2009, three women labor leaders came to LA Valley College to talk to students about womein in the labor movement. The speakers were Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies at Cal State University Dominguez Hills, Vivian Price, SEIU Local 721 Chief of Staff Raahi Reddy, and President of UFCW Local 1428 and International Vice President Connie. M. Leyva. Students and faculty attended the event.

The event was organized by LA Valley College student Lupe Bulgara who will be transferring to UC Santa Cruz this winter.

Identify the violations.  How can it be written better?

Help wanted: 

Acme is now hiring for positions on its widget assembly line.  Must be a recent high school graduate, excellent job references, at least 2 year’s experience, but not more than 20 year’s experience. No attendance problems.  Must be able to lift up to 50lbs and weigh at least 150lbs. No one shorter than 5’5 need apply.   Must be physically agile and in good health.  Shift hours are Tuesday to Sunday 8am-6pm.  Must be able to speak English clearly with no accent.  Hiring conditional upon passing a writing test.  Vision test will be administered at interview

Email answers to kle@dhli.org