Workers picket local car wash

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Picketers chant and carry signs outside Santa Palm Car Wash in West Hollywood Monday. (Photo by Gary McCarthy)

By INDEPENDENT STAFF

Story Published: Dec 24, 2009 at 1:56 PM PDT

Story Updated: Dec 24, 2009 at 1:56 PM PDT

Former car wash workers picketed for better treatment of Santa Palm Car Wash employees in front of the Santa Monica Boulevard business Monday.

The protesters are members of the Clean Car Wash Campaign, an organization that tries to get car wash owners to pay their workers better wages and support the right to unionize.

Another part of their cause is getting owners to sign a contract with the Carwash Workers Organizing Committee, which would guarantee car wash employees rights such as better wages and safer working conditions.

“Santa Palm Car Wash has refused to negotiate and sign the agreement that they’re complying with the law respect their workers rights to organize,” said Chloe Osmer, a campaign coordinator with the Clean Carwash Campaign.

But owner Glenford Rogers said he is being unfairly singled out.

He said he treats his employees well and follows state law. He simply has no desire to join a union.

“We abide by the laws set forth by the state and the labor board,” Rogers told The Independent, adding: “There’s no reason to join, we do everything by the law.”

Several Los Angeles car washes were criticized this year for allegedly mistreating employees and subjecting them to unsafe working conditions.

On Dec. 16, California Attorney General Jerry Brown sued Auto Spa Express Inc. for allegedly paying its employees $6.32 an hour. The current statewide minimum wage is $8 per hour.

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Debiie said on Tuesday, Dec 29 at 10:52 PM

This is lame - Union thugs targeting a small business. Lame.

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kidduluth said on Thursday, Dec 24 at 3:03 PM

don't like it, go back to where you came from

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