Alliance of Guestworkers for Dignity
Fighting International Human Labor Trafficking after Katrina
The Alliance is an association of guestworkers from different companies that have joined together in a fight for dignity. Workers support one another in the struggle for fair treatment on the job and for justice on an international level not only for H2B workers but for all workers.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, thousands of guest workers were brought to the Gulf Coast. Workers in Latin America and Asia were sold false promises at a high cost. Recruiters promised steady jobs, fair pay, great conditions, visa extensions, and even permanent legal status. Workers plunged their families into debt to buy an American dream. When they arrived they found that it was just that – a dream. All of the promises made to them were false. They were welcomed to
terrible conditions and no protection. And, according to the terms of their visas, they could only work for one employer. As one guest worker said to another in New Orleans: “Bienvenidos a los esclavos unidos!” (Welcome to the United Slaves).
For news articles written about the Alliance, click here.
