Laundry workers from California and Arizona who say they’re struggling to get by on poverty wages plan to rally in Los Angeles on Monday, June 13 to get their message out.
About 50 employees — most of whom are Latina women working at hospitals, restaurants, hotels and other workplaces — will speak for an estimated 5,000 laundry workers in California, Arizona and New Mexico.
The rally will take place at 2:30 p.m. at the Western States Regional Joint Board for Workers United-SEIU, at 920 Alvarado St. Community allies, hospital workers, car wash employees, firefighters and others will be on hand to offer support, the union said.
On June 3, the laundry workers delivered letters to the general managers at more than 70 laundries — including Aramark Uniform Services, Mission Linen, Crothall Healthcare and Domestic Uniform Rental — demanding higher pay.
Most are earning minimum wage or slightly more, a union representative said. California’s current minimum wage for employers with 25 or fewer employees is $14 an hour, while employees with companies that have 26 or more workers earn $15 an hour.
“In the face of record inflation, every day it is more difficult to make ends meet for ourselves and our families,” the letter said. “The increases in rent, gas and food prices means we can barely afford to drive to and from work.”
That’s been the case with Clara Rosales. The 67-year-old Wilmington resident has worked for Aramark for 50 years but still earns just $16.33 an hour.
“Everything is so expensive now,” she said. “You either choose to buy food or pay your bills on time. I’m going to retire soon, but I feel sorry for all of the newer workers coming up. They won’t be able to handle this.”
Representatives with the various laundry companies could not be reached for comment Friday.
The laundry workers say their employers are struggling to recruit and retain staff.
“This shortage of workers has increased pressure on all of us, and as the laundry workers who remain committed to this essential work, we believe we can fix this together,” the letter said. “You can lead the way in offering living wages – wages that will allow workers tocare for themselves and their families and bring their best to their work.”