LOS ANGELES -- Supporters of Proposition 210, the Living Wage Initiative, today launched a radio ad campaign, picketed a garment factory and filed legal complaints protesting the illegal firing of a low-wage worker, Ricardo Zelada, who testified in support of Prop. 210 at a state Senate hearing on Oct. 1. Mr. Zelada, a 61-year-old sewing machine operator, with two children, was fired on Oct. 2 when he reported for work after spending the previous day testifying before the State Senate Industrial Relations Committee hearing on Prop. 210, and appearing on television in support of raising the minimum wage. The U.S. and California Labor Commissioners had performed a surprise inspection raid on the afternoon of October 1.
Pickets marched in front of Lito Children's Wear today demanding that Mr. Zelada be reinstated and voicing their support for Prop. 210.
"The retaliatory firing of Mr. Zelada is an outrage, and shows how far poverty wage bosses will go to silence those who speak up for a living wage. Our ad campaign highlights for voters the need for Prop. 210," said Yes on 210 Communications Director Steve Hopcraft. "We are warning voters to expect more of the same from multibillion dollar fast food and retail companies who will stop at nothing to keep wages below the poverty line. Don't be intimidated, lied to, or misled. The minimum wage is not a living wage. Prop. 210 is needed to restore the lost buying power of the minimum wage."
Sen. Hilda Solis released copies of letters to the California and U.S. Labor Commissioners, and to the Los Angeles City Attorney asking for an investigation of the firing.
Cristina Vazquez of UNITE said the needle trades union will pursue legal remedies on behalf of Mr. Zelada, and will help meet the family's needs in this time of trouble.
Mr. Zelada's brother, Manuel Hernandez, was also fired at the same time.
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