Woodfin Workers Win Landmark Court Victory!

Today, [December 21] an Alameda County Superior Court Judge granted the workers' request for a temporary restraining order to prevent the Woodfin from going through
their with plans to fire the suspended workers on December 29th, 2006.
The injunction requires that the hotel either bring the workers back to work,
or continue their paid administrative leave. The injunction is effective until January 23rd, 2007. The workers have yet to receive communication from the hotel welcoming
them back, but they intend to show up ready for work tomorrow.

A key factor in this victory was the support of the City of Emeryville staff, who
came to court today to support the workers request for a temporary restraining
order. Thanks to everyone who helped us bring this issue to the city's attention and
urged them to take action.

While the injunction is a huge victory and a welcome reprieve for the workers, we
know that it came only as a result of the tremendous support of the community, and
that real job security for Woodfin workers is still very much an uphill battle. We
must continue to demand that the Woodfin: (1) Immediately pledge not to fire
immigrant workers on the basis of Social Security "no-matches," (2) Come into full
compliance with Measure C, and (3) Pay workers over $160,000 owed to them in back
pay. We will continue to hold regular actions outside the Woodfin Suites, so please
keep your eye out for a revised picket schedule.

Lastly, thank you to everyone for your very generous support and steadfast
solidarity throughout the last week. Over 100 people came out to an emergency action
last Saturday, and 250 people attended Monday's holiday-themed rally in support of
fired workers. The story was covered by Channel 2, Channel 5, Channel 14, KPFA,
KCBS, The Berkeley Daily Planet, The Oakland Tribune, The East Bay Business Times,
and the San Francisco Chronicle. Click here for audio and video clips or click here
for print news articles. Thanks also goes to everyone who contributed to the Living
Wage Hardship Fund. We will continue the fund until Woodfin workers have permanent
job security.

To donate:
https://secure.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizations/EBASE/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=2025



The Woodfin workers' fight to keep their jobs is far from over and there's no
turning back. We hope we can continue to count on your support and friendship as we
fight for real job security, compliance with Measure C, and the back pay that
workers deserve.

For more information, contact Sarah Norr (510-435-9475, sarah[at]workingeastbay.org)
or Brooke Anderson (510-290-0978, brooke[at]workingeastbay.org).

Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,

EBASE