Haitian community stages 1 day work stoppage ahead of TPS deadline
Advocates and employers in Rockland County highlight the potential workforce impact as Haitians protest the looming Temporary Protected Status deadline.
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The Haitian community was encouraged to call out sick and stay home from work on Monday as part of a protest aimed at demonstrating its impact on the workforce and local economies.
Renold Julien of Konbit Neg Lakay in Spring Valley said the action was intended to draw attention to the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for hundreds of thousands of Haitian immigrants who work across a variety of industries.
"If you are a human being, stay home for one day," Julien said.
Konbit Neg Lakay is among Haitian organizations in the metro area urging Haitians not to work as advocates push for an extension of TPS protections.
"We are just asking for something that people deserve," Julien said.
The protest comes days before the July 24 TPS extension deadline on Friday after those work authorizations had been extended earlier this month.
Rockland County-based Jawonio, an organization that serves people with disabilities, said it has not yet seen a major impact from worker absences related to the protest.
"We're lucky we haven't seen too many call-outs. We have some, but the bigger impact will come on Friday," said Randi Rios-Castro, CEO of Jawonio.
According to the organization, 22 employees work under TPS protections, representing about 7% of its workforce.
Jawonio also said it is already operating with more than 50 part-time and full-time vacancies.
"I think this is just showing us what it's going to be like without these workers present," Rios-Castro said.
As these advocacy groups and employers call on federal lawmakers to extend TPS protections, U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer issued a statement supporting Haitian TPS recipients.
"Haitians play critical roles in our communities and have made invaluable contributions to the fabric of our nation," Schumer wrote.
Schumer also urged Senate Republicans to pass legislation restoring TPS protections for Haitians as soon as possible.
