STAFF WRITER
jmajeski@thnt.com
SOUTH RIVER — There have been times when Rigabel DaSilva has received much less than the minimum wage for public construction work. But complaining about it to a former employer made not a bit of difference.
"When I talked to the boss he said if we were unsatisfied we could leave," the 43-year-old Brazilian immigrant said through a translator. "If we complained, they said they would call immigration.."
More than 100 people crammed into American Legion Post 214 to discuss the exploitation that immigrant construction workers in the South River area face on a daily basis.
"It essentially is, "You will take what I give you and like it,' " said Louis Sancio, director for the Monroe-based Alliance for Competitive Contracting. "What happens to these cheated workers is a sin."
Sancio said he has seen many examples of unscrupulous contractors who pay immigrant workers less than the state prevailing wage, gypping not only workers but taxpayers, too.
"They're charging the public the full rate . . . but only giving the worker their lesser amount," he said.
The New Jersey Laborers' Union, a member of Change to Win participating in the Make Work Pay! campaign, helped organize the community forum. Along with both documented and undocumented workers, the event featured local clergy and officials, plus panelists from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
Yesterday's forum comes at a time when Congress is wrangling with competing immigration bills. On Monday, organizers from largely the Latino community will hold a "Day Without an Immigrant" in which such workers stay home, hoping to convince legislators that undocumented workers should not be treated as criminals.
El Salvador native Jose Villanueva, who attended last night's forum, is participating in "Day Without an Immigrant."
"I've already spoken with my boss and explained to him Monday is important to us," said the New Brunswick resident, who ships orders for a window-manufacturing company. "I have my papers, but it's important for me because I have to fight for my people."
Likewise, DaSilva will join Monday's efforts.
"It's the right thing to do," he said through the translator.
Ken Hoffner, assistant director of New Jersey Laborers' Health and Safety Fund, discussed the safety conditions immigrant workers can be subjected to. He showed slides of precarious scaffolding and unsafe trenches.
"I've seen no hard hats, no safety glasses," he said. "These guys labor on in silence because they want to work. They're hardworking and want to send money home. They take these risks, but they shouldn't have to."
Rob Lewandowski, spokesman for NJ Laborers Union, said last night's purpose was opening people's eyes.
"We want to share these stories with public officials — we really need help from those who enforce the law," he said. "And, to bring awareness in the general community."
John Majeski:
(732) 565-7260;
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