I’m going to try to keep the place anonymous. I am bilingual – Spanish and English. After a week of working at this factory I learned that some undocumented and documented workers are paid $6-$8 flat while Americans were earning $10-$13. One guy, let’s call him Tom. Tom and I became friends while just discussing where I grew up and he asked where I learned Spanish. I talked about my friends back home and he mentioned his own. I started complaining about my own wage, $11 an Hr. He pulls me aside and said he makes $6 an hour. I completely became floored. I asked him how? He said that’s what the owner offered him before he got his visa to go work for him. He shared with me that he was told to never discuss his wage to others. Nobody has had a bilingual work there yet that was American. I told him how it is illegal to pay him that low and how it’s illegal to deny your employees the ability to discuss wages. He asked me to help him the best way I could. He said it wasn’t a problem with his visa status or documented status and that he has that covered. I asked another person who doesn’t speak English as well and they were paid $8 flat. I told her I would explain later, and then I asked another person walking out the door how much they were paid who I’m friends with as well, and they said $7. All below my states minimum wage which is $9 an hour. It didn’t seem Tom was there willingly either if he was asking for my help as well. I told him I had some lawyers I can contact him with.
After coming back, I was watched like a hawk by my managers. Some English speaking and others bilingual. They didn’t want me to go to break with those who could speak Spanish.
I quit my job an hour into the shift and contacted people I knew who could help them. I’m unsure of what else to do though. I felt like quitting and saying I found a new job and telling others to keep what I said to themselves the best option. Soon I hope they are paid their back-pay after a visit from wage and hour.
Even more upsetting most do not go outside for break. They stay inside. It’s a hot factory and they’re making MUCH MUCH LESS than English speakers. I knew if I stayed they’d find a way to fire me and make any of my claims deligitamate.
Please those who work with immigrants – encourage them to speak about their pay. Encourage them to learn our laws that will protect them also. Even undocumented migrants can be protected by wage theft.
I do not care if I can’t find a job soon for myself but I feel I did them a huge favor finding this out so that way they have to pay them what Americans are paid also.