March 25: Speak Out in Support of SF Day Laborers

Dear friends and supporters of the Day Labor Program,

As you know, San Francisco day laborers were recently victorious in their efforts to secure their new building on Cesar Chavez Street.

However, they continue to suffer from the City's continued denial of funds to La Raza Centro Legal, the organization which administers the Day Labor Program.  La Raza has supported the Program's services for the past TWO YEARS WITHOUT A PENNY FROM THE CITY!  Two years ago, then-Mayor Willie Brown pulled city funds for day laborer services in retaliation for day laborer organizing against police harassment on Cesar Chavez St.  La Raza's funds were cancelled for supporting unequivocally the workers' demand to stand on public sidewalks without being forcibly moved by police.  Currently, Mayor Newsom's office is stating that it will not issue the Request for Proposals("RFP") for at least another two months and refuses to settle the lawsuit.

WE NEED THE COMMUNITY'S HELP! Due to the sudden, long-standing cuts in day laborer funding, La Raza has lost staff, as well as basic necessities for the Program's daily functioning.  These days, it's even difficult to pay for the porto-potties at the Franklin Square trailers!  The Day Labor Program cannot continue to survive on crisis mode!

Please join members of the SF Day Laborer Association and of the Women's Collective in two upcoming events:
1) PRESS CONFERENCE.  THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 10 AM, FRONT STEPS OF CITY HALL. Workers and their allies speak out against the City's continued denial of funding for day laborer services.  Speakers will urge the City to settle La Raza's lawsuit, and to issue the RFP immediately.

2) EMERGENCY BENEFIT TO SUPPORT THE DAY LABOR PROGRAM.  SATURDAY, APRIL 3, 6-9 PM, CENTRO DEL PUEBLO AUDITÓRIUM, 474 VALENCIA ST., 2ND FLOOR.  Join us for a talent show and an evening full of music and fun.  All donations are 100% tax deductible (tax id# 94-2295723).

Please feel free to contact me at (415) 553-3404.

Thank you in advance for your support, Renee Saucedo Coordinator