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Fisher Island workers are in the middle of the new civil rights battleground in
America today. The disparity of wealth in Miami and across the country is no
better demonstrated than at Fisher Island. Fisher island is the wealthiest
community in the country yet it pays workers as little as $8 per hour.
Fisher Island recently announced a wage increase and a new health care plan
for workers. On the surface these announced improvements offered hopes to
those counting pennies. In reality, Fisher Island is concerned with their image
and not improving workers lives.
Coincidentally, the raise is timed for when residents are returning to their
winter homes. This isn't about solving the struggles of the workers -- two
dollars is not the answer to the hardships they face.
The new health care plan requires workers to pay a $2500 deductible -- a
cost that will prevent most working families from going to the doctor.
Fisher Island workers face discrimination at every turn. From the moment
they arrive at the ferry, they are segregated to a back room away from
residents and guests. As they buy snacks and drinks at the market they can
be bumped out of line by any resident ready to check out, cutting into their
break time. In addition, more than half of the workers are Haitian and are
mandated not to speak Creole, their first language, while in earshot of
residents regardless of whether its work related. These are just a few
examples of the blatant discrimination Fisher Island workers face every day
on the job.
Fisher Island workers are seeking basic rights that all workers should be
afforded. They want job security, respect, equality, a voice on the job and the
freedom to form their union. They simply want to be treated with dignity. They
are asking for the opportunity to achieve the American dream.
America today. The disparity of wealth in Miami and across the country is no
better demonstrated than at Fisher Island. Fisher island is the wealthiest
community in the country yet it pays workers as little as $8 per hour.
Fisher Island recently announced a wage increase and a new health care plan
for workers. On the surface these announced improvements offered hopes to
those counting pennies. In reality, Fisher Island is concerned with their image
and not improving workers lives.
Coincidentally, the raise is timed for when residents are returning to their
winter homes. This isn't about solving the struggles of the workers -- two
dollars is not the answer to the hardships they face.
The new health care plan requires workers to pay a $2500 deductible -- a
cost that will prevent most working families from going to the doctor.
Fisher Island workers face discrimination at every turn. From the moment
they arrive at the ferry, they are segregated to a back room away from
residents and guests. As they buy snacks and drinks at the market they can
be bumped out of line by any resident ready to check out, cutting into their
break time. In addition, more than half of the workers are Haitian and are
mandated not to speak Creole, their first language, while in earshot of
residents regardless of whether its work related. These are just a few
examples of the blatant discrimination Fisher Island workers face every day
on the job.
Fisher Island workers are seeking basic rights that all workers should be
afforded. They want job security, respect, equality, a voice on the job and the
freedom to form their union. They simply want to be treated with dignity. They
are asking for the opportunity to achieve the American dream.
Fisher Island
worker is fired for
entering employee
lounge on
segregated ferry.
Click here
How do we respond?
worker is fired for
entering employee
lounge on
segregated ferry.
Click here
How do we respond?
MEDIA LINKS TO
FISHER ISLAND:
NY TIMES: An
Island of Moguls Is
Latest Front in
Union Battle
By: Eduardo Porter
NY TIMES: SHOP
STEWARDS ON
FISHER ISLAND?
By: Mimi Swartz
MIAMI HERALD:
Fantasy Island is
anything but for its
workers
By: Ana Menendez
FISHER ISLAND:
NY TIMES: An
Island of Moguls Is
Latest Front in
Union Battle
By: Eduardo Porter
NY TIMES: SHOP
STEWARDS ON
FISHER ISLAND?
By: Mimi Swartz
MIAMI HERALD:
Fantasy Island is
anything but for its
workers
By: Ana Menendez
How can you get
involved?
Contact SFIWJ Staff
involved?
Contact SFIWJ Staff
| 150 SW 13th Avenue, Miami, FL 33135 Phone (786) 264-1708; Fax (786) 264-1859 interfaith@sfiwj.org; www.sfiwj.org |
| WORKERS CAMPAIGN FOR JUSTICE AT FISHER ISLAND |
| Learn more about the workers' stories! Click HERE for worker testimonies |