QUEENS, N.Y. — Walking out on the job has become common at Off Broadway Car Wash, having occurred three times in the last three months. This time, however, there was added controversy, as the owner of the wash made an obscene gesture at the workers during the walkout, according to the New York Daily News.
Owner David Amar was caught, in photos taken by the workers' union, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, kicking snow at the employees and making obscene gestures in their direction.
Carwash workers walkout over contract negotiations
Union Organizer, David Jimenez, said Amar “has been very confrontational.” He noted that “this is the first time that he really went out of his way to make lewd gestures.”
On Feb. 14, the workers filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board alleging that Amar has stopped providing them with their normal pay, or giving them their normal hours. The union has accused Amar or refusing to negotiate a contract, and no-showing negotiations.
Amar’s lawyer, Stephen Hans, said the walkout did not make sense for accomplishing worker goals. “I don’t understand why you would force us to close when you want a contract.”
After the walkout, around 30 workers chanted “Si se puede” — “Yes we can,” and marched around an inflatable rat. Union organizers were also present at the demonstration.
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