Gatherings to Raise Awareness about Abuse, Discrimination and Injustice against Immigrants

December 16, 2011

Gatherings to Raise Awareness about Abuse and Injustice against Immigrants

Portland, Ore--Starting this Sunday, members of immigrant communities, their supporters and those from diverse faiths will participate in a series of Posadas or “welcoming”gatherings in support of immigrant rights. The event is being hosted by Vecinos en Alerta (Neighbors in Alert) and the Oregon New Sanctuary Movement (ONSM)
This is third year that ONSM has organized a posada to draw public attention to the need for immigrant justice and an end to the abuse, discrimination and exploitation of immigrants in the United States.

“We are doing this to build community, solidarity and relationships of mutual welcome and hospitality between immigrants and people of faith and conscience”, said Beth Poteet of the Oregon New Sanctuary Movement. “As immigrants and allies, we want to draw public attention to the need for immigrant justice and an end to the abuse, discrimination and exploitation of immigrants in the United States.

Welcoming the Stranger: Portland Posada 2011
Date: December 19th and 20th
Time: 7pm - 8:30pm.
Location: 6840 NE Killingsworth, Portland, Oregon

Go to the Hacienda office and look for signs to direct you to the Posada.

Each evening there will be a celebration with food, fellowship, art and action.

For more information, please visit www.oregonsanctuary.org or link to their flyer here: http://www.oregonsanctuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/posadasonsm-1.pdf

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Labor rights advocates turn out to support justice for Ruby Ridge Dairy workers

August 30, 2011

Portland, Ore.-- On Saturday,  Ruby Ridge Dairy Workers, supported by farmworkers and farm labor advocates, held a march and rally for farmworker justice in Portland. Although workers are seeking better conditions and treatment with respect through a United Farm Workers (UFW) contract, Ruby Ridge Dairy has refused to recognize the union. Participants marched two miles from Portland State University to Darigold to urge the cooperative to press for fair worker treatment at the Pasco, Washington based dairy, a Darigold member.

According to workers,  Ruby Ridge Dairy owners have created a "climate of fear at the dairy".  In addition to claims about workers being fired for trying to start a union, there are reports that workers received less wages than they were entitled, not given access to drinking water or allowed to go to the bathroom, required to work long hours without rest or lunch breaks, were not allowed sick leave with or without pay, and were required to use machinery without proper instruction or protection.

Those supporting the Ruby Ridge Dairy Workers on Saturday included farmworkers from Oregon and Washington, United Farm Workers (UFW), Oregon Farm Worker Ministry (OFWM), National Farm Worker Ministry (NFWM), Portland Jobs with Justice, Oregon New Sanctuary Movement (ONSM), Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (Northwest Treeplanters and Farmworkers United) PCUN, and other farm labor advocates.

Resources
Former employees sue Ruby Ridge Dairy for lost wages http://www.kndu.com/story/10928395/former-employees-sue-ruby-ridge-dairy-for-lost-wages?redirected=true

The Dark Side of Dairies: A broken system leaves immigrant workers invisible -- and in danger.http://www.hcn.org/issues/41.15/the-dark-side-of-dairies/article_view?b_start:int=4&-C=

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Community Forum Addressing Abuse Held in The Dalles

Over the last several years, members of the Latino community of The Dalles, Oregon have been voicing serious concern that they have become victims of abuse from some employees in the justice system in Wasco County.

Last week, a local group called "We the People" held a community forum to discus their concerns with city officials. Among the 150 community members who attended, the city of The Dalles Mayor, City Manager and the Chief of Police were also present. CAUSA was honored to have been in attendance to support the positive exchange.

During the event, members of the community offered a 10 point proposal to city officials. By the end of the forum, the Mayor, the City Manager and the Chief of Police agreed to review the proposal and work with the Latino Community to come up with solutions.

For more on what occurred and the positive relationship that has developed, watch CAUSA's video of the forum below or by linking here.



Videography by Erik Sorensen, CAUSA Communications
Music by William Cushman (On My Way)

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Sign Sen. Bill Nelson's Letter on Behalf of Walter Lara

Walter Lara is a 23 year-old honor student facing deportation on July 6, 2009. Walters family immigrated from Argentina when he was three years old. He has only known life as an American, and proudly declares that the United States is my home.

U.S. Senator Bill Nelson wrote the Department of Homeland Security on Walter's behalf, requesting that they defer action on Walter's deportation because "he has earned the chance to live and work here and call America home."

Sign onto Sen. Nelson's letter and on Thursday, July 2, 2009, we will deliver Sen. Nelson's letter with your co-signature to the Department of Homeland Security.

Sign on to Senator Bill Nelson's Letter on Behalf of Walter Lara by linking HERE

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