All photos by the author.
SEIU Local 32BJ held a rally and march yesterday in support of Chipotle workers seeking unionization, reliable scheduling and a raise in pay to $20 dollars an hour. The purple-clad procession gathered at 6th Ave. and 48th St., near the NewsCorp headquarters and Fox Square.
Leaders of the local, including Executive Vice President Denis Johnston, addressed the crowd, alongside members of the New York City Council, the State Senate and the State Assembly. Councilwoman Julie Menin (District 5) and Councilman Lincoln Restler (District 33) voiced their support for the $20 dollar wage.
“You all led the fight for $15; now we’re going to lead the fight for $20,” said Councilwoman Julie Menin.
Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal (AD-67), alongside a group of fellow state representatives, criticized Chipotle for its flagrant abuses of the “Fair Workweek Law,” a law that requires fast-food employers to provide regular schedules to workers regardless of their immigration status.
“I’m not disposable,” said one Chipotle worker, “and neither is my labor and neither are my coworkers.”
“Chipotle has to learn it does not get a free pass to sidestep the New York City Fair Workweek Law,” said Assemblymember Rosenthal. “We see at stores and chains like Starbucks, workers rising up and saying ‘we will form a union. We deserve more; otherwise go find someone else to pour that coffee.’ And we need to say the same thing here. Workers deserve respect, dignity and most of all,...
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