A labor legend was back on the front lines for workers this week.
“The 89-year-old civil rights icon Dolores Huerta was taken away in handcuffs Tuesday during a protest in California over pay for workers who care for the elderly and disabled.
Around 500 Service Employees International Union members stormed the Fresno County Board of Supervisors meeting to demand better pay.
It’s been more than a decade since many have received a raise, the union said.
Huerta, co-founder of what would become the United Farm Workers union with Cesar Chavez, was one of six protesters arrested by Fresno County deputies for allegedly failing to disperse after being issued an order to do so, according to Fresno County sheriff’s spokesperson Tony Botti.
The six – including Huerta – were released after being issued tickets.
‘All of these supervisors make over $100,000 a year, while these people have gone without a wage increase for 11 years, and it’s time. Que es tiempo. If supervisors can’t take the heat, they should get out of the kitchen,’ Huerta told reporters.
Veterans, church leaders, and seniors joined the large crowd criticizing accusing Fresno County supervisors of discriminating against women and people of color with unfair wages and benefits.
Negotiations with supervisors have spanned months, according to the union.
Currently, home care workers earn a $12 minimum wage. Supervisors offered a 10 cent raise, but the union said it is pushing for a dollar more.”
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