Day laborers banned from seeking work in parking lot of New Rochelle Home Depot protest
Several organizations joined dozens of day labors to demonstrate as well as speak out against the harassment the day laborers say they've been experiencing when they try to buy something from the store or even use the bathroom.
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It's been three months since day laborers have been banned from looking for work outside the Home Depot in New Rochelle.
"They have no way to pay rent or feed their family," said Jackie Agudelo, of the United Community Center of Westchester.
Three months with no income and no hope.
"The problem is that we've been punished for looking for work in public spaces and we've been undignified in these acts," one day laborer said.
The United Community Center of Westchester, The Community Resource Center and Neighbors Link, along with several other organizations, joined dozens of day labors to demonstrate and speak out against the harassment the day laborers say they've been experiencing when they try to buy something from the store or even use the bathroom.
The goal is to get Home Depot to come to the negotiating table.
"We want Home Depot to work with us so they can give us a little space of their big parking lot again and we can place there a coordinator to coordinate the day labor so new comers will know what their responsibilities are," said Agudelo.
In a statement, Home Depot said it has a longstanding nonsolicitation policy at its stores.
New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert said the city was "working with all involved to bring the matter to a resolution."
