On October 28th, several members of El Hormiguero turned out in solidarity to a speak out, march and rally hosted by Justice for Jollibee Workers. Allies gathered outside the doors of the Harvard Club in Manhattan where Jollibee workers were hoping to speak with Jollibee North America President, Maribeth Dela Cruz who was invited to speak at an event hosted by the club. Unfortunately, we were disappointed to find out that coincidentally Dela Cruz was not in attendance due to travel miscalculations. 

We then embarked on a short march led by the Jollibee workers to the nearest Jollibee location, which was near the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Jollibee workers took to the bull horn to tell stories of how they were wrongfully fired from the Journal Square Jollibee for participating in workplace organizing efforts. Speakers informed the Jollibee workers inside that workplace organizing is a legally protected right, and that if they get together they will be stronger. A plea was made to managers to stay neutral to any workplace organizing campaigns and that if workers organize, issues faced by managers will be alleviated as well.  

El Hormiguero members proudly displayed custom signs made specifically for the event which read “El Hormiguero Stands with Jollibee Workers”, “The Workers Struggle Has No Borders”, and “Justice for Jollibee Workers”.

Check out more on the Justice 4 Jollibee workers page or follow them on Instagram, and make sure to share this article! 

Written by Joseph Seider