SoCal Pinoy workers join protest against abuse

LONG BEACH, Calif. – Filipinos joined hotel workers, community activists…and city officials to air out their grievances along Long Beach’s downtown waterfront district.

Marching with a clothesline of pillowcases and make shift beds highlighting work place abuse.

“We’re really concerned about how house workers are treated particularly because we’ve been hearing about cases of harassment on the job,” said Nikole Cababa of BAYAN USA.

“We’re here to demand justice against sexual violence that they experience because of their vulnerable positions,” said Princess Manuel of AF3irm.

They say workers have to endure hard labor, lifting as many as 18 beds that each weight 120 pounds.

They are also vulnerable to abuse.

Statistics claim that over 80 percent of female hotel housekeepers have experienced abuse including sexual, verbal, and physical from guests or from fellow staff and management.

“This kind of abuse they experience in the work place is actually affecting them psychologically, emotionally, physically and we’re calling on hotel management and the city of Long Beach to protect the rights of these working women,” said Theresa Jaranilla of GABRIELA.

Protesters made their way through some of the hotels before reaching Long Beach City hall.

With hotels playing a major role in Long Beach’s economy, city officials marched with the community saying they will find solutions to these issues.

“We’re looking into the employee groups as well, as well as talking to hotel management to see what kinds of resolutions we can come together with,” said Councilman Roberto Uranga.

Councilman Uranga who represents Long Beach’s largest Filipino concentration on the West Coast says that the council will consider passing laws.