Relief workers from Lawrence victims of job mix-up

[scratchtasia]

How much would this suck? It happened to a couple of people from Lawrence.

Relief workers victims of job mix-up
Would-be humanitarians sent to clean up casino

By Mike Belt
Wednesday, September 14, 2005

What was envisioned as a mission of mercy to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina ended in anger and disillusionment for two Lawrence residents.

Instead of handing out food and water to victims in New Orleans, they found themselves under the supervision of no-nonsense, “kind of scary” foremen who had them cleaning up a hurricane-ravaged casino in Biloxi, Miss.

"I felt really bad about working on a casino for rich people when there are people suffering," Kalila Dalton said.

"I felt like we got scammed pretty good," Chris Tucker said.

Full article

[Mabus]

1. They probably feel like Bush's photo-props

Remember the firefighters that had to attend a sexual harassment seminar before they got their first assignment which was to be props for Bush's first photo-op.

It's disgusting. From the article it sounded like they wanted slaves. I mean, four hours of sleep and sixteen hour shifts to clean a casino.

[expatriot]

2. It sounds like this clean up company just expected illegal Mexicans

would sign on. How it was set up, etc. People don't realize how "illegals" get stiffed like this all the time. If you are an illegal, there is no recourse, no authorities to bitch to about how you didn't get paid and how your employer has broken labor laws.

[cornermouse]

3. Stories like this need more attention and visibility.