Nicky Diaz’ Case Shines Spotlight on Exploitation of Immigrant Workers

California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski issued the following statement today in response to the conference held by the California Division of Labor Standards and Enforcement regarding back wages allegedly owed by Meg Whitman to her former housekeeper, Nicky Diaz Santillan:

“Every day, immigrant workers like Nicky are exploited by unscrupulous employers simply because those employers believe they can get away with it.

“We applaud Nicky’s courage in coming forward to fight for the wages she’s owed by Meg Whitman. The California Labor movement stands in support of Nicky, and we urge Whitman to do the right thing. If Whitman refuses to pay the back wages, we strongly implore the California Division of Labor Standards and Enforcement to issue a ruling in Nicky’s favor.

“While Nicky’s allegations of mistreatment became a flash point in the gubernatorial campaign, we mustn’t forget that there are thousands of workers in the shadows who are being exploited, oftentimes because of their immigration status. Nicky’s case illustrates the struggles of all those workers. It’s past time for comprehensive immigration reform that will end the exploitation and bring the plight of immigrant workers out of the shadows.”

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