Outreach Campaigne: Nov 13,14 and 20

This is a call for support from the Workers’ Committee of Woodbridge and Mexicanos Sin Fronteras.  The members of the Workers’ Committee of Woodbridge are Day-laborers who meet to look for work at the intersection of Route 1 and Longview Drive in Woodbridge VA.  Winter is the most difficult season for day laborers, who must face extreme temperatures outside each day as they wait for work. The approaching winter season is threatening the day-laborers’ ability to provide food and shelter for their families.  These workers represent one of the most marginalized sectors of the U.S. economy.   While day-laborers in Woodbridge typically receive $6-10 an hour for construction, landscaping, and other types of labor, they are frequently unable to find work for than 80 – 90 hours a month. 

Recent events in Woodbridge have made it event harder for the workers to face the winter season.  On October 19th, 25 members of the Woodbridge Workers Committee were arrested for loitering at the intersection of Route 1 and Longview Drive  in Woodbridge VA.  Those arrested were peacefully seeking employment in a location they had permission to occupy in order to look for work.  Although the only charge against the workers was loitering, several were subsequently transferred to INS custody under a new Virginia law allowing transfer from County Police to INS.  The Workers’ Committee was able to secure legal support for the arrested workers, and is communicating with authorities about the status of those who are still in custody.  The aftermath of these unfortunate events has made it even more difficult for day laborers in Woodbridge to find work.  

The members of the Workers’ Committee of Woodbridge seek dignity and humane conditions in which to live and work.  This is a call to action to support the Workers Committee of Woodbridge.  Here are some things you can do to help:

1)      Donate winter clothes- jackets, hats, scarves, gloves, long johns, raincoats etc.  These are very important since the workers have to stand outside in extreme temperatures each day to look for work.  You can bring these items to the site at the intersection of Route 1 and Longview Drive  in Woodbridge VA. on Saturday November 20th from 9-12am.

2)      Attend the support rally, Saturday, November 20, 2004, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. on the Covenant Presbyterian Church lawn abutting the 7-11 at the intersection of Longview and Rte. 1. A press conference will follow the rally and we anticipate broad coverage. On this date we will be presenting our demands for justice and dignity to the national and international public opinion.

3)      Help do outreach to build support in Woodbridge and surrounding communities  To volunteer for outreach please email mexicanossinfronteras@yahoo.com

4)      Organizations, groups and churches can sign on to a letter of support for the workers. Contact us for a copy of the letter. 

5)      Invite the Workers’ Committee and Mexicanos Sin Fronteras to speak in your school, church or community group. 

Please contact the Workers’ Committee of Woodbridge and Mexicanos Sin Fronteras at mexicanossinfronteras@yahoo.com  (571)330-8529 or  (202)544-9355.  The Workers' Commitee of Woodbridge is an organizing project of Mexicanos Sin Fronteras. 

Mexicanos Sin Fronteras

1247 E St NW. Washington DC 20003

Phone (202) 544-9355 ext 15. Fax: (202) 544-9359

E mail: mexicanossinfronteras@yahoo.com

Ricardo Juarez, Woodbridge Workers Committee

Teresita Jacinto, Mexicanos Sin Fronteras