Thread: Claims of favoritism, racism arise at day labor center

Note that only half of the people get work every day. Based on other day labor centers in the area, about half are illegal aliens.

Also, Plano sent someone from the city to testify before the State of Affairs Committee against a law that would ban city funded day labor facilities. I wonder if the citizens of Plano know about that. It might have been the city manager. I don't remember. Garland or Grand Prairie also sent someone.

Remember that 50-60 number when they say they don't take jobs from Americans.


Claims of favoritism, racism arise at day labor center

11:17 PM CDT on Tuesday, May 1, 2007

By DAN RONAN / WFAA-TV


WFAA-TV Also Online

Dan Ronan reports
PLANO - The head of Plano's Day Labor Center is now facing an investigation over what some workers say is favoritism when it comes to picking people for certain jobs.

Each day, dozens of people line up at Plano's Day Labor Center for work. While some are new to the area, others are just down on their luck.

"If he comes out to work, put them to work, with no discrimination," said worker Derrick House.

On a good day, only 50 to 60 percent get called to a job.

Now, Plano is investigating allegations that Lourdes Ignacio, who's been at the center for more than ten years, plays favorites.

"We are aware, and we're taking these charges very seriously," said Christiana Day, city of Plano.

Some workers said Ignacio often selects more Mexican workers than whites and blacks, and gives Hispanics the better paying positions.

"We're tired of being pushed to the side until she gets all of her Mexican people out, then she gets us out," said Kevin Sears, a day laborer.

But Ignacio said contractors often dictate who get jobs and the others are filled by lottery.

But when News 8 stopped at the center for two hours, it appeared most of the workers who were picked were Latino. When asked about the observation, Ignacio gave an answer.

"Most Orientals don't like blacks," Ignacio said. "They don't like blacks because they're afraid of them."

Video of her comments were shown to Plano officials.

"We will review the accusations," said Thomas Muehlenbeck, Plano city manager. "We're going to be viewing the charges that have been made."

Officials said they are looking into the comments Ignacio made as well.


E-mail dronan@wfaa.com

Originally Posted by http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/wfaa/latestnews/stories/wfaa070501_mo_daylaborcenter.29dd1907.html

http://www.wfaa.com

Should not surprise many of us here.

As for her comments about Asians being afraid of blacks, what is that about? I have never heard of such a strange mentallity, maybe it is just her own racist thinking?