Workers demand fair wages and support in Alcatraz strike

During a recent Board of Supervisors meeting in San Francisco, community members and workers voiced their concerns regarding language access and labor rights, highlighting significant issues affecting local immigrant populations and workers in the tourism sector.

Janelle, representing the Filipino Community Center, emphasized the critical need for improved language services for Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals. She noted that many Filipino migrant workers face challenges in accessing essential services due to a lack of Filipino-speaking staff, despite Filipino being recognized as a threshold language in the city. Janelle expressed gratitude to Supervisors Walton and Chan for their efforts in promoting increased bilingual staffing and prioritizing language access in departmental budgets, which she argued is vital for ensuring dignity and respect for community members.

Ray, a volunteer at the Filipino Community Center, shared his personal experiences navigating public assistance as an immigrant, underscoring the importance of language accessibility in fostering inclusion within the community. He echoed Janelle's appreciation for the supervisors' commitment to language access initiatives.

The meeting also featured testimonies from workers at Alcatraz City Cruises, who are currently engaged in labor disputes over fair wages and working conditions. Jack Calvin, a deckhand and union member, reported on the ongoing struggle for a fair contract after a recent strike against the company’s unfair labor practices. He criticized the company for attempting to hire replacement workers in anticipation of future strikes, asserting the workers' determination to continue their fight for equitable treatment.

Michael Maldonado, another facilities agent at Alcatraz Cruises, highlighted the financial struggles faced by employees earning as little as $19 an hour, despite the park's lucrative visitor numbers. He called on the Board of Supervisors to support measures ensuring that workers receive a living wage.

Robert Erminger, a retired member of the Inland Boatman's Union, recounted his experiences working on the Alcatraz ferry and the challenges faced by current employees under the management of Hornblower. He urged the supervisors to endorse resolutions that would provide necessary support for workers in the sector.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges related to language access and labor rights in San Francisco, with community leaders and workers advocating for systemic changes to improve conditions for vulnerable populations.