Somos Un Pueblo Unido Protecting Immigrants' Rights in New Mexico

Somos Un Pueblo Unido 1205 Parkway Dr, Suite B Sante Fe, NM   87507   telephone: 505-424-7832 fax: 505-438-8518 email: somos@rt66.com

PRESS RELEASE June 13, 2008

Contact:   Marcela Díaz, Norma Moreno

 
Santa Fe — On March 25, 14 housekeepers filed a complaint with OSHA after being unjustly fired by the Hilton Hotel for complaining about unreasonable and hazardous working conditions. The main complaint with OSHA was that they were not afforded gloves –after requesting them on numerous occasions– to handle cleaning chemicals and as a result, their hands were severely and painfully chapped and developing open wounds. On May 1st, the housekeepers protested in front of the hotel and made the OSHA complaint as well as other complaints public.

A day after the protest, OSHA conducted an inspection at the Hilton and found that gloves were being provided to the new workers that replaced the housekeepers who were fired on March 17.

"Under Michael Newbrant's management, we were obligated to handle harsh chemicals with our bare hands for over nine months. Many of us opted to buy our own gloves to protect our skin from further injury. When we complained about this and other unreasonable working conditions, we were fired," said Zahira Olivas, one of the complainants. "We are deeply satisfied knowing that because we spoke out, the workers who replaced us are now provided with gloves and equipment to safely handle harsh chemicals."

"It is not surprising that the Hilton started providing gloves after we complained to OSHA and spoke out publicly," said Iris Alay, who worked at the Hilton for eight years. "Unfortunately, it took us losing our jobs and livelihood to get the Hilton to comply with the law and ensure the safety of their employees."

OSHA's inquiry is one of three investigations into the Santa Fe Hilton Hotel's treatment of the 14 former housekeepers of this hotel. The former employees also filed complaints with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for firing the housekeepers after complaining about unreasonable and unsafe working conditions and the Employment Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for discrimination. Those investigations are still pending.