Workers protest outside of architectural firm, blame immigrants and other unfair working conditions for job losses

GILBERTS — In a tense demonstration that took place on Sept. 11, workers and former employees of TURF Design, Inc. (41 Prairie Parkway) gathered outside the architectural company’s headquarters protesting what they described as “labor injustice and abuse by management,” as well as unfair hiring practices that favor recent immigrants over long-established workers. Holding a giant banner that read “No Workplace Harassment” and “No Discrimination,” the protesters voiced their frustration with the company, blaming the influx of immigrant labor for squeezing them out of work.

Immigrant Solidarity DuPage, an organization that helps educate, organize, and mobilize around the rights and collective struggles of the Latino community, alleges that TURF is using the increasing flow of Central and South American workers in Illinois to hire cheaper labor.

“In the last two years alone, they have displaced at least 30% of the workforce of skilled Mexicans who have left years of their lives working for the company. TURF administration and temporary employment agencies favor only a few and have begun to accept workers with work permits and other political government programs, throwing away many essential workers no matter who are parents and mothers who need to bring livelihood to their families,” said the organization in a press release statement.

In a petition, many former TURF employees have accused one of the company’s manufacturing managers, Jaziel Garcia-Perez, of abuse of power, racism, and nepotism among other things, which led them to demand the termination of Garcia-Perez.

TURF has denied the allegations of unfair hiring practices. A representative for the company accepted the petition written by the protesters and issued a statement shortly after.

“The company does not guarantee anything in this document. We will address the content as the company sees fit.”

The protest reflects growing tensions across the country where debates about immigration and job security have increasingly become intertwined. While some argue that immigrants play a crucial role in filling labor gaps, others, particularly in industries with a high demand for manual labor, feel threatened by the competition.