For years, car wash workers in Los Angeles have toiled for less than the minimum wage, with no overtime pay and no breaks.  Two weeks ago, the campaign to win justice for L.A.'s car wash workers along with the ACLU of Southern California celebrated a small victory for workers. City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo filed a 176-count criminal complaint against some of L.A.’s dirtiest car wash operators: Benny and Nisan Pirian, owners of the Vermont Hand Wash and Celebrity Car Wash, and Vermont Hand Wash manager Manuel Reyes.

Still, car wash employees across Southern California continue to labor in appalling conditions -- earning less than minimum wage and without basic safety equipment to protect them from dangerous chemicals.  Dirty operators have attempted to crush unionization efforts by firing workers and intimidating others.

Let's begin to stop the rampant and unjust abuse. Take Action now by sending the letter below to two Pirian family-owned car washes stating that violations of workers' rights will not be tolerated in our community. 

You can also join us in showing your support for workers by attending our boycott picket of the Hollywood Hand Wash this Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. The car wash is on the corner of Sunset Boulevard and El Centro Avenue, just east of Vine Street.

Don’t let the exploitation continue.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am troubled by the serious reports of worker mistreatment, intimidation and wage theft detailed in the 176-count criminal complaint filed against you, your brother Nisan, and manager Manuel Reyes.

As a member of the community, I can not in good conscience patronize a business where there is a history of mistreatment such as paying the workers illegally low wages, failing to provide protective gear and violating other basic workplace rights.

Employers must follow the letter of the law and give workers their protected rights without fear of intimidation, including the right to unionize. Please, sign the CLEAN Carwash agreement, thereby committing to obey all employment and health and safety laws and to respect your workers' right to organize.

Until then, I will not patronize this or any Pirian family-owned business.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
February 25, 2009