5/12/08--Last week, members of the STRACC, an affiliate of the Frente Auténtico del Trabajo (FAT), who are public employees and clean public restrooms in Mexico City, were fired from their jobs and their union contract violated by a contractor of the City, OESSA.  The company held one-on-one meetings with the workers, threatened to charge them with robbery if they did not sign a resignation letter, and were barred for hours from leaving the room when most of them refused.  When the workers arrived to work the next few mornings, they were told that there jobs had been given to other workers and suffered again verbal threats and pressure to leave. 

On May 6 the workers were threatened again.  The company, with support of the police and with physical violence, arrested 4 workers and a leader of the FAT.  With much work and pressure, the STRACC and the FAT were able to gain their release from jail the next day, but they are still threatened with a trial for criminal charges.  This is an unprecedented move against workers’ rights and a collective bargaining agreement.

Please send letters in Spanish to Lic.Marcelo Ebrard, , head of the government of Mexico City.  Click here to download the sample letter in Spanish to which you can add your organization’s letterhead.  Click here to read the letter in English.

Please cc the following people and organizations:
Lic. Benito Mirón L. 
Lic. José Angel Avila
Lic. Laura Velázquez
Lic. Raymundo Collins F. 
Comisión de Derechos humanos del D. F. 
FAT

Thank you for your support!

Field Organizer Job Description
The field organizer is responsible for maintaining and developing relationships with allies and member organizations to support Enlace’s campaigns and programs.

Responsibilities include:
• Recruit new allies in California, other parts of the U.S., and other countries for Enlace’s campaigns (current priority is the Seafood Workers Justice Campaign)
• Assist with strategy implementation and research for Seafood Workers Justice Campaign
• Maintain relationships with existing allies in Los Angeles
• Participate in the development of international campaigns involving low-wage workers and immigrants
• Assist with communications and in creating and editing action alerts, e-newsletters, brochures, power point presentations, training manuals, and other materials as needed
• Help with fundraising, including grantwriting, reports, donor drives, and grassroots events
• Provide translation and interpretation (Spanish/English) when necessary

Requirements:
• Strong commitment to social and economic justice
• Activist experience
• Bilingual in Spanish and English, both written and oral (other languages a plus: Korean, Chinese, Japanese)
• Excellent writing and communications skills
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to travel for a few days at a time
• Minimum 2-year commitment

Compensation and application process:
Competitive salary commensurate with experience and benefits.  Please send a cover letter and resume (one document) to Joann Lo, Co-Executive Director, at .  Please apply by May 30, 2008.

Enlace is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited category. We strongly encourage women, people of color, and all qualified persons to apply for this position.

"A rousing true story of solidarity, perseverance and triumph.” – Variety

Buy Made in L.A. from Enlace! 
A film by Almudena Carracedo and Robert Bahar. In Spanish and English with bilingual subtitles!

Made in L.A. follows the remarkable story of three Latina immigrants working in garment sweatshops as they embark on a three-year odyssey to win basic labor protections from trendy clothing retailer Forever 21. Compelling, humorous, and deeply human, Made in L.A. is a story about immigration, the power of unity and the courage it takes to raise your voice. Featured in the film is Lupe Hernandez, an Enlace coach. Enlace co-director Joann Lo also appears in the documentary as the lead organizer of the Boycott Forever 21 Campaign. 

The DVD of Made in L.A. is only $20. A portion of the sales goes to Enlace to support our work!  Buy a copy of Made in L.A. for the holidays!

Watch the trailer!