FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–June 17, 2020
“I Am A Man”: Power Coalition Supports Striking Sanitation Workers
Today, Wednesday, June 17, the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice will continue our Juneteenth Week of Action with a day of support for striking New Orleans sanitation workers.
NEW ORLEANS, LA | June 17, 2020—The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice (PCEJ–http://powercoalition.org) will continue our Juneteenth Week of Action in solidarity with the New Orleans sanitation workers, known as “Hoppers,” who are currently striking against Metro Services Group.
You can learn more about the Hoppers’ story at 6:00 p.m. today, when we will hold space for a listening session with them. Register at: bit.ly/StandWithSanitation.
On May 5, more than a dozen sanitation workers–all of whom are Black men–went on strike against their employer, Metro Services Group, to protest a clear pattern of mistreatment on the job.
The Hoppers’ demands are simple, reasonable, and fair:
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Provide PPE to all workers immediately and consistently on a daily basis.
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Fix broken trucks that leak toxic hydraulic fluid on workers daily.
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Provide an hourly pay rate of at least $15 per hour (Hoppers currently receive $10.25 per hour without any benefits).
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Provide weekly hazard pay of $150 per week.
Metro is one of the largest waste management companies in New Orleans, handling trash pickup for approximately one-third of the city’s residents. It has one of the largest private contracts with the City of New Orleans, yet isn’t abiding by the Living Wage Ordinance, which is supposed to govern anyone who works for an employer who gets a city contract or who gets city financial assistance.
The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice works to build voice and power in traditionally ignored communities, with a focus on communities of color. We are a coalition of groups from across Louisiana whose mission is to organize in impacted communities, educate and turn out voters, and fight for policies that create a more equitable and just system in Louisiana.
What: Juneteenth Week of Action–Support Striking Sanitation Workers
When: June 17–6:00 p.m.
Where: June 17–bit.ly/StandWithSanitation
Contacts:
Ashley Shelton, Executive Director, Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, (225) 802-2435, ashelton@powercoalition.org
Peter Robins-Brown, Communications Director, Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, (504) 256-8196, prb@powercoalition.org