BEIN HAZMANIM WORKERS FORM UNION

A press release from the newly organized local union # 613 threatens to go on strike Monday March 24 at midnight. Local 613 was recently founded to represent Shaimos truck workers and Koshering keilim truck workers and basically any other business opened specifically for the Pesach season. For years these day-laborers have been under the mercy of corrupt entrepreneurs and greedy store owners. In the past, local merchants would rent a truck and hire a few yeshiva guys who were home for bein hazmanim and looking to make some pocket money. The boys, in many cases underage, were forced to work long arduous hours from morning to wee hours of the night. The work hazards were often perilous; between paper cuts and pulp inhalation, the shaimos workers were being terribly undercompensated. In some cases these boys were not even allowed to leave their workplace (truck). There was also the added danger of these kids being unlicensed, putting their friends, who were sitting on the back bumper, and the public at risk. “We were sometimes even made to babysit when in the customers’ houses”, said an immature rep for Chometz Busters Cleaning Corp, “that’s not fair”.

Mark Levy, self-proclaimed advocate of the illegal worker, took up the cause and has been fighting for their rights. Using the precedent of succahbuilders #213 and Keren Aniyim Shaloch Manos makers, Levy won a landmark case that went up all the way to the Appellate division of Appeals of NY. Some of the amendments that became required included: trucks must have insurance coverage for each laborer or at least coverage for every two, the laborers must be over 18 or have heavy stubble, wages are regulated by the fair trade commission, and working hours are strictly by the clock. A worker cannot post more that 60 hours per week (even if they wanted to), and safety regulations are closely being monitored including proper hygiene for each worker. Levy is quick to point out to his enemies that the safety of the bachurim should be everyone’s responsibility, and doing business with a non-union truck goes against the Torah.

The reason for the strike is that after all these provisions store owners do not want to spend the extra money in this time of economic depression. With all these new stipulations protecting the workers, store owners fear that the net profit they used to receive will be considerably less this year. Add to that gas prices increased, parking tickets are being handed out at an all-time high, and they feel the ends will not justify the means. We have received word that the proposed picket line will form in from of Wesley Kosher with a giant blow-up Rat. We will try to keep you updated as we make up more news.