6/06/2017

-Please distribute widely-

To #OPTIC2017 attendees and the larger community of photographers, videographers, musicians, and industry partners:

As a purchaser of photo/video/audio equipment or computers, you have a real chance to make a difference in the fight for respect and safety at B&H Photo.

Right now, B&H is putting on the #OPTIC2017 photo conference. It’s an important opportunity for concerned customers and community members to engage with the company.

-The story so far-
B&H Photo is known for its customer service, but behind the scenes, the picture is very different. B&H warehouse workers faced horrific safety conditions over many years—until workers stood up for themselves and their families. They organized for respect and safety on the job for over a year, winning real improvements and even their own union.

As you may know, B&H Photo is now trying to move these workers’ jobs–over 330 jobs–75 miles away to New Jersey. We believe B&H Photo is running away from the very workers who fought to make B&H safe, and trying to bust their union.

-Good news-
B&H workers’ campaign to keep these jobs in New York is gaining traction. And with the growing support from the community of photographers, videographers, artists, academics, stagehands, musicians and thousands more like yourself, workers have a real shot at winning!

-Take action-
Whether you spend $10 or $10,000 a year, on photo/video/audio equipment or computers, you have an important platform to support workers fighting for respect and safety on the job.

Yesterday, over 200 workers from B&H Photo Video’s warehouses went on a day-long strike, in conjunction with “Un Día Sin Inmigrantes” strikes happening around the country. And now they are asking for your support.

Standing with hundreds of supporters outside B&Hs retail store, B&H worker Francisco Pimental spoke:

“We are here today to let B&H know that we, the workers, have the power. We will not allow B&H to leave over 300 workers without a job.”

The company is trying to close its Brooklyn warehouses and move those jobs 75 miles to New Jersey—which we see as an attempt to stop the grassroots worker organizing that has resulted in real improvements at B&H.

Workers took enormous risks yesterday to go on strike and speak out against B&H’s union-busting tactics.

Will you stand with them today and amplify their call for respect and dignity?

Press contact: Rosanna Rodríguez, co-director Laundry Workers Center

New York, NY—Over 200 workers from B&H Photo Video’s Brooklyn and Manhattan warehouses have gone on a day-long strike, in conjunction with “un día sin inmigrantes” strikes happening around the country.

Hundreds of workers and supporters picketed outside B&H Photo’s retail store in Manhattan this morning. A delegation of workers and community members delivered a letter to B&H management, demanding that the company “respect and acknowledge that WE, 300+ B&H warehouse workers and our wives and children, who have been without us, dedicated our lives to building up your operations… for decades.”

B&H Photo workers reportedly worked under extremely dangerous conditions in the warehouses. They decided to fight back, trained with Laundry Workers Center for over a year, and in 2015 voted overwhelmingly to form a union.

This year, B&H announced plans to close its Brooklyn warehouses and move almost 330 jobs 75 miles away to New Jersey, making it nearly impossible to for the predominantly Latino workforce to keep their jobs.

“We are here today to let B&H know that we, the workers, have the power. We will not allow B&H to leave over 300 workers without a job,” said warehouse worker Francisco Pimental.

“We see this an attempt to bust their union and stop the grassroots worker organizing that has resulted in concrete improvements at B&H”, said Rosanna Rodríguez, co-director of Laundry Workers Center.

B&H workers also saw the strike as part of a larger struggle against injustice, as hundreds of thousands of immigrant workers participate in a general strike, or “Day Without An Immigrant”, on May 1.

In an earlier statement, warehouse worker Rigoberto Gallos wrote, “Our communities have come together to stand against the Muslim ban, against ICE, against the violence on communities of color and the working class, that has been going on for a very long time.”

“This is a call to keep fighting for dignity and justice. Today, we are in solidarity with all workers around the world.” said Rosanna Rodríguez, co-director of Laundry Workers Center.

Workers vowed to keep up the struggle. “We are striking for dignity and respect, and we will fight to the end,” said warehouse worker Jorge Lora.

CONTACT: Laundry Workers Center: [email protected]

WHO: B&H Photo warehouse workers, Laundry Workers Center, and community/labor groups including Immigrant Worker Justice, Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, New York Work Center Federation, Food Chain Workers Alliance, and Democratic Socialists of America NYC.

WHAT: On May 1, “Un día sin inmigrantes”, hundreds of B&H Photo workers will go on strike, fighting B&H Photo’s union-busting attempt to move 330 union jobs to New Jersey. Gathering outside B&H’s retail store, B&H workers will be joined by allies from the community and workers’ movement. #May1Strike

WHEN: 9:30am on Monday, May 1, 2016

WHERE: In front of B&H Photo retail store: 34th Street and 9th Avenue in Manhattan.

WHY: B&H Photo workers faced unconscionable and unsafe working conditions in Brooklyn and Manhattan warehouses. They organized for over a year, fought and won a union against overwhelming odds. Now B&H Photo threatens to move 330 union jobs 75 miles away to New Jersey. We believe this is an attempt to bust the union, and stop the grassroots worker organizing that has resulted in concrete improvements at B&H Photo.

B&H Photo workers are striking in solidarity with hundreds of thousands withholding their labor around the country, fighting for a world where the most marginalized working families live with dignity, safety, and power. #May1Strike

Photo by Robert Pluma

My name is Maurilio Basurto Ortega. I was born in Guerrero, Mexico – I came to this country to work and support my family. I came about nine years ago. I’ve worked at B&H for almost 9 years. I identify as a worker and a fighter because I am always fighting to live and working hard to get my family ahead. I am 23 years old.

I worked as a packer for the merchandize on the conveyor belt. I packed different kinds of products: cameras, printers, televisions and speakers.

I worked inside the warehouse 6 days a week, Mostly 10 – 12 hours a day. On April 19th, 2016 I get fired because the company said that I moved a box that was later found broken.

But in reality, I know that they fired me because we won a union election.

After the community fight back I get back to work again at B&H. The most important for my co-workers and me is have a better workplace, win a contract and stop the abuses and the discrimination.

My name is Ricardo Ramirez. I was born in Guerrero, Mexico. I came to this country 32 years ago. I’ve worked at B&H for almost 9 months.

I identify myself as a fighter and hard working man that support my family. I worked in the receiving department at B&H Photo and Video Warehouse. I worked around 12-14 hours per day before we organized. I was fired on May 6th because I was on medical leave after I got an injury inside the workplace. But the reality, I know the fired me because I was part of the organizing process and the company is looking for an excuse fire all my co-workers.

With the support of the community the company restarted the workers’ compensation.

Press statement from Laundry Workers Center

On Tuesday Feb. 23—the same day as the powerful union win by B&H Photo’s Manhattan warehouse workers—the company illegally fired an entire department of cleaning staff.

These 7 workers had requested meetings with B&H Photo human resources, demanding respect and an end to hostile treatment and scare tactics. They expressed their interest in the benefits of a union but were not a part of the group that petitioned for and won the Feb. 23 election.

It is illegal and wrong for B&H Photo to retaliate against these workers. Collective action is protected by U.S. law.

We stand united with hundreds of B&H warehouse workers, the Photo/Video Alliance, the United Steelworkers, and the New York labor community, demanding that B&H Photo Video immediately rehire the #BH7.

Press Contacts:
Rosanna Rodriguez, Laundry Workers Center, [email protected]
Mahoma López, Laundry Workers Center, [email protected]

Press contacts, Spanish and English:
Mahoma Lopez, Laundry Workers Center, [email protected]
Rosanna Rodriguez, Laundry Workers Center, [email protected]

Workers in the basement warehouse below B&H Photo Video’s retail store in midtown Manhattan voted overwhelmingly today to join the United Steelworkers in an election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board.

After months of training with the grassroots labor group Laundry Workers Center, workers took their campaign public on January 31, 2016, demanding an end to discriminatory, abusive and dangerous workplace conditions.

“Today, I am free. Not just me, but all my compañeros. We never thought we could realize our dreams, but now with the union it’s possible. ” said B&H Photo worker Zenaido Rosendo.

B&H Photo warehouse workers in Manhattan say they were inspired by the example of B&H warehouse workers in Brooklyn, who overwhelmingly voted to join United Steelworkers on November 4, 2015 after facing dangerous safety conditions, rampant discrimination, and an anti-union campaign including daily threats, harassment, and intimidation in the workplace.

“After this victory, what is coming is respect, fair treatment for all workers, and a decent salary.” said B&H Photo worker Benicio Najera.

“The B&H workers represent the mission of Laundry Workers Center in that they have to lead their own struggle. And when we organize, we win.” said Laundry Workers Center co-director Rosanna Rodriguez.

“We want to be an example for all the workers here in New York City. We want to encourage workers to look for support in the community. They can come out from the shadows because they are not alone.” said Rosendo.

Photo: Robert Pluma

Hoy fué una victoria historica para los trabajadores de los almacenes de B&H Photo y una inspiración para trabajadores en todas partes. Tras un año de organización, ahora los trabajadores tienen una voz, dignidad, respeto..SINDICATO. Ahora la lucha sigue hasta conseguir el contrato! ¡Hasta la victoria!

Today was a historic victory for B&H Photo warehouse workers and an inspiration to workers everywhere. After a year of organizing, workers now have a voice, dignity, respect… UNION! Now the struggle continues–on to a contract! ¡Hasta la victoria!

Spanish and English:
Rosanna Rodriguez, Laundry Workers Center, 347-652-5724, [email protected]
Mahoma Lopez, Laundry Workers Center 347-488-6936 [email protected]

Hi-res photo attached — Photo credit: Laura Gottesdiener

In Face of Employer Intimidation, Workers Vow to Continue the Fight to Improve Unsafe Working Conditions, End Discrimination

NEW YORK, NY – Following last week’s announcement that workers at B&H Photo have launched a unionization drive in response to unsafe working conditions, widespread discrimination and wage theft, on Thursday workers were threatened with termination en masse.

Workers allege they were pulled aside throughout the day to meet with anti-union consultants demanding information about the union campaign and its “leaders”, threatening those who would not speak. Workers also report that management demanded workers sign paperwork, and were told to leave the premises when they did not. A management representative was heard saying “There will not be a union, over my dead body.” Workers recorded managers shouting at employees who would not comply with their orders, with one senior employee smashing the cell phone of a worker who was recording the incident. A criminal complaint has been filed with the NYPD to retrieve the employee’s damaged property. B&H management has retained the anti-union law firm Jackson Lewis, as well as public relations executive Ronn D. Torossian.

Workers say they were ordered off the premises of the Navy Yards warehouse–they subsequently rallied outside, joined by supporters and community allies. As news of the mass retaliation spread, workers at the Evergreen Avenue warehouse immediately demonstrated in solidarity with their colleagues at the Navy Yards warehouse. Faced with this strong display of solidarity from workers, community allies, and angry customers, the company subsequently claimed employees were never fired and could return to work on Friday.

This morning, workers reported to the job more committed than ever to carrying on their campaign to improve working conditions at B&H Photo.
Kevin Vega, a Shipping Department worker and 5-year employee of B&H, said “They threatened us by saying that if we don’t stop organizing we will get fired. What reassured us was that we are united and that we have community support and cannot be defeated.”

“These agents working for B&H were not successful in intimidating us because have the right to organize and we have support,” said Francisco Pimentel, Shipping Department, 5-year employee. “B&H rehired us because they need us. We are the labor force.”

Workers publicly announced their intent to organize with the United Steelworkers last Sunday, representing more than 150 warehouse workers employed in B&H’s two Brooklyn facilities. They are receiving training and support from the grassroots, worker-led community organization Laundry Workers Center. Workers are calling on the NY-based photo and video giant to fix dangerous workplace conditions, end wage theft, and stop the widespread discrimination and verbal abuse endured by Latino employees.

Workers and community allies have called for a rally this Sunday from 3-6pm in front of the B&H retail store at 420 9th Avenue. #BHexposed

About Laundry Workers Center:
LWC addresses the need for community-based leadership development geared toward improving the living and working conditions of workers in the laundry and food service industries, as well as their families. Our work aims to combat abuses such as landlord negligence, wage theft, and hazardous and exploitative working conditions, all of which are endemic in low-income communities in New York City and New Jersey.