For self-help employer enforcement, should workers who lose jobs to illegal immigrant hiring employers sue?

Question

"The U.S. Supreme Court is about to rule on one case. And in another, in Washington state, a fruit grower recently agreed to an out-of-court, $1.3 million settlement. The firm admitted no wrongdoing, but it is the first time legal U.S. workers will be paid damages for depressed wages connected to illegal immigrants, according to the employees' attorney."

http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/business/14840112.htm?source=rss&channel=grandforks_business

Answer 1

Absolutely spiffing idea!!! It would work too!!!! These greedy so and so's should be hit where it hurts them, and for them it would appear money is more important than patriotism ..... so, sue every last greedy one of them!!!!!!!!!

Answer 2

I think so.

Itis the companies who are "companies knowingly and systematically exploit[ing] illegal workers" as the article says.

This is the problem. These companies, Tyson meats, Walmart, many other corporations actually DO go to Washington and lobby.

The issue I have is that the politicians respond, but they framed this whole issue as an attack on the illegals entering the USA. That is not right. Anyone with half a brain or who has traveled outside the US at all should know that these people are living in a very bad situation. It is absolutely un-American to attack these refugees from exploitation in their country. There is not an American alive that would not do the same damn thing if they or thier familes were held down by a repressive Government and policy. BUT, the policy isn't Mexicos per se, it is largely due to(what I say time and again) NAFTA. Look it up...
It destroyed the Mexican labor force, seriously injurred US labor force and hurt Canada's labor force.

People in the US (hopefully) can connect the dots and realize what all Latin americans know very well, that neo-liberal "reforms" do not work, this is one more way to put the money in the hands of a small elite and rip the basic right to life form the poorest of all countries affected.

I like your cited article it directs the issue to what it is really about.

I am downright ashamed that just because politicians play on people's racism and predjudices that they buy into it in the most horrid ways, calling immigrants "dirty" "stupid" attacking them on the streets and mis-understanding May 1, 2006 entirely.

This is a labor issue, a US citizen issue, because these so-called reforms target you and your job also. Ask any GM worker...
We need to be educated on such matters, not only for others in more dire situations than ours, but also because the cannon is also pointed at you.

Answer 3

Cool!

That is why the repubs want that immigrant pass for workers, and I bet you will see a Law the next session addressing this issue so no other fruit grower suffers the same fate, and it will be introduced by a republican of course!

Answer 4

I think that they should sue, but you need to look at everything before taking that measure. If you are considered a 'seasonal' worker than more than likely you can't because they can let you go during that time frame & hire someone else to do your work & that is legal.

Answer 5

Yes, I agree with taking any legal action possible against anyone who knowingly aids in the committing of any crime, including helping illegal aliens.

Answer 6

Absolutely!

Answer 7

Good for them, illegal is illegal and when it hurts a worker they should be able to sue

Answer 8

YES!!!!!!!!