Santa Cruz Businesses That Don't Care About Workers' Lives

While walking down Pacific Avenue today, I noticed some striking signs in the windows of several businesses. The signs read, in bright blue and orange, "No on Measure G. It Hurts Family Businesses."

This is misleading in a couple of ways. First, it insinuates that the passage of Measure G would harm "family businesses", yet the most recent, nonpartisan study contradicts that claim. Second, this claim also insinuates that "family businesses" would be more likely to be harmed than other types of businesses. This is also misleading since "family businesses" would be exempt from giving family members the mandated wage increases since they are presumably part-owners.

Personally, I find this very dishonest and unethical. I appreciate "family" and local businesses, but I do not support a business that purports to be a "family-run business," and yet has everyone doing their work for them --- at less than a living wage. In my opinion, if you want to wear the "family business" label, then Ma and Pa better show their face several times a week. Otherwise, they are really just "los jefes gordos."

One other thing I noticed about this campaign and these signs was that I only noticed them on Pacific Avenue and Front Street, arguably the two busiest commerical streets in our community. It seems to me that if these businesses have some of the highest traffic in the entire county (and guaranteed tourist sales), they should be the first ones to endorse this proposal. I am saddened that they feel they have to cheat workers in order to run their businesses.

These are the businesses that I saw displaying the "No on G" signs. I encourage you to boycott these businesses, especially if Measure G is defeated. We must show solidarity with those who are literally fighting for their very survival.

***BOYCOTT THESE ANTI-WORKER BUSINESSES***

-Kianti's

-Hoffman's Bakery Cafe

-Fresh Prep Kitchen (on Front Street)

-Bad Ass Coffee Company

-Pacific Cookie Company

-Rosie McCann's

-The Hat Company

-Rogue

-Zoccoli's Deli

-Bookshop Santa Cruz


This is most likely an incomplete list. Please list other businesses I missed.


*I am not a part of the WAJE campaign, nor am I a member of a union. I am writing this as a concerned member of the public about what I see as a clear issue of justice in our community.


References:

http://www.waje.org

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/archive/2006/September/18/local/stories/01local.htm