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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Alejandro Grajales, Organizer at Workers Justice Project
5:55:28
·
3 min
Alejandro Grajales, an organizer with the Workers Justice Project, testified about the importance of supporting immigrant workers and funding essential programs. He shared examples of workers who have received help and emphasized the need for continued support to address labor abuse, safety concerns, and immigration issues.
- Requested funding for four specific programs totaling $595,000
- Highlighted personal experience as a delivery worker facing challenges like safety risks and unfair treatment
- Stressed that supporting vulnerable workers benefits the entire city
Alejandro Grajales
5:55:28
Good afternoon.
5:55:29
My name is Alejandro Grajales.
5:55:31
I'm a delivery worker and an organizer with the Workers Justice Project where I lead the work on wage theft and labor abuse.
5:55:38
Today we heard the testimonies of three immigrant workers who bravely shared their experiences, extreme work hours, threats, stolen wages, illness, and fear.
5:55:47
But we also heard something else.
5:55:48
Thanks to the support of the Workers Justice Project, they are now standing tall, organized, and fighting for justice.
5:56:29
Julisa, who couldn't speak today but has a message for reports an abusive employer and received deferred action just like over a hundred other workers.
5:56:38
Rodolfo is working with the Department of Labor on a retaliation case and is waiting for certification for a U visa.
5:56:45
And Jose who after more than three decades in this country and being affected by nine one one, by nine eleven, finally has immigration protections.
5:56:54
None of these achievements would have been possible without the relentless support and work of our I speak not only as an organizer.
5:57:18
I also speak as a worker.
5:57:20
I know what it's like to work in the rain and the cold or under fear or fear of being robbed, getting into an accident, being unfairly deactivated or not making it home.
5:57:29
That's why I'm here because we know this fight is collective and it goes beyond ourselves.
5:58:04
That's why I urgently ask you today, secure the necessary funding for the workers justice program to continue operating and growing.
5:58:12
We need your support to sustain these four essential programs.
5:58:15
A hundred thousand dollars for safety education and training program for delivery workers.
5:58:20
Two hundred fifty thousand dollars for support for low income workers.
5:58:24
Ninety five thousand for worker cooperative development initiative.
5:58:28
A hundred 50,000 for support initiative for women and immigrant workers.
5:58:58
Without these resources, we won't be able to continue supporting the most vulnerable workers of our city.
5:59:03
Today we face enormous challenges, labor abuse, racism, violence, and misinformation.
5:59:08
It is precisely in times like these when we most need your support.
5:59:11
Because when a worker recovers stolen wages or a delivery worker learns that they have rights, it's not just one person who wins.
5:59:19
It's the whole city.
5:59:20
Thank you very much.