First, An Incorrect Diagnosis Of Pneumonia
Both Gonzalez and Reyes came to California from Mexico, the former in 2013 and the latter in 2007. Both had brothers working in countertop fabrication, so they slipped into the job easily. When cut, some of the plastic-filled slabs gave off a pungent odor “like pure garbage,” Gonzalez said. He routinely worked 10- to 12-hour days in this environment, at a starting wage of $14 an hour.His first manager “died of the same disease I have,” Gonzalez said. “When this person passed away, I waited for them to tell us about it … But they didn’t. They just said, ‘Put on the mask. Put on the mask.
Reyes was an independent contractor who worked out of a friend’s shop in Orange County. He always used water when he cut, he said, and wore a high-quality mask. “I did my best to take care of myself,” Reyes said, but it didn’t matter. The dust, with the consistency of powdered sugar, went through and around his mask and into his lungs.
This is horrible
💔
It’s unfortunate that so many Hispanics/Latinos have to work in such work conditions! That is why I want to help my community! As a Hispanic, I am sick and tired of my people working in these conditions! We demand better work conditions and better pay + health benefits!
Heartbreaking. 💔