Thanks to the workers' brave organizing and the community's support, the Woodfin workers won a landmark victory in court today and secured the right to go back to work! For now.

Today, an Alameda County Superior Court Judge granted the workers' request for a temporary restraining order to prevent the Woodfin from going through their with plans to fire the suspended workers on December 29th, 2006. The injunction requires that the hotel either bring the workers back to work, or continue their paid administrative leave. The injunction is effective until January 23rd, 2007. The workers have yet to receive communication from the hotel welcoming them back, but they intend to show up ready for work tomorrow.

A key factor in this victory was the support of the City of Emeryville staff, who came to court today to support the workers request for a temporary restraining order. Thanks to everyone who helped us bring this issue to the city's attention and urged them to take action.

While the injunction is a huge victory and a welcome reprieve for the workers, we know that it came only as a result of the tremendous support of the community, and that real job security for Woodfin workers is still very much an uphill battle. We must continue to demand that the Woodfin: (1) Immediately pledge not to fire immigrant workers on the basis of Social Security "no-matches," (2) Come into full compliance with Measure C, and (3) Pay workers over $160,000 owed to them in back pay. We will continue to hold regular actions outside the Woodfin Suites, so please keep your eye out for a revised picket schedule.

Lastly, thank you to everyone for your very generous support and steadfast solidarity throughout the last week. Over 100 people came out to an emergency action last Saturday, and 250 people attended Monday's holiday-themed rally in support of fired workers. The story was covered by Channel 2, Channel 5, Channel 14, KPFA, KCBS, The Berkeley Daily Planet, The Oakland Tribune, The East Bay Business Times, and the San Francisco Chronicle. Click here for audio and video clips or click here for print news articles. Thanks also goes to everyone who contributed to the Living Wage Hardship Fund. We will continue the fund until Woodfin workers have permanent job security. To donate, click here.

The Woodfin workers' fight to keep their jobs is far from over and there's no turning back. We hope we can continue to count on your support and friendship as we fight for real job security, compliance with Measure C, and the back pay that workers deserve. For more information, contact Sarah Norr (510-435-9475, sarah[at]workingeastbay.org) or Brooke Anderson (510-290-0978, brooke[at]workingeastbay.org).
Happy Holidays!
Sincerely,
EBASE

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