Workers Memorial Day Vigil Planned for This Week

The Community Job Center and the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) in partnership with the City of Pasadena, is organizing the Workers Memorial Day Vigil from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 28 at Villa Parke.

“The Job Center and NDLON joined by Pasadenans Organizing for Progress (POP) are inviting community and student groups, churches and nonprofits to take part with the City of Pasadena in the national week of actions for Workers Memorial Day on April 28,” according to a prepared statement.

Events throughout the country will focus on the message of the Desde Abajo (From Below) Labor Enforcement (DALE) Campaign which is sounding the alarm about the abuse experienced nationally by undocumented and excluded workers, including the real threats from ICE and employers that silence workers.

“While our communities are being overwhelmed by the pandemic, workers are threatened if they speak out about abuse or unsafe working conditions,” the release said. “The looming threat of deportation results in rampant abuse against workers, including day laborers, domestic workers, street vendors, factory and delivery workers, and many more.”

“The Workers Memorial day is a space where we honor our loved ones and fight for the rights of those who are alive, said Pablo Alvarado, Executive Director of NDLON.

“We know that with the DALE campaign,” Alvarado continued, “we have an alternative to fight for workers who are victims of labor exploitation and who are willing to denounce the abuses.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring candles and join with the Pasadena community to remember our loved ones.

“In Pasadena, in the past few years, many community members have died due to the COVID pandemic and gun violence,” stated Jose Madera, Director of the Pasadena Job Center.

“We also want to pay our respects to those individuals and families. Through art, music, and unity, the community will honor and remember our fallen community members,” Madera said.