Call for carwash worker justice reaches new heights

Carwash workers have finally found a billboard company that will let them get their call for justice to the public.

Standing high above glitzy Sunset Boulevard, a billboard purchased by the CLEAN Carwash Campaign reads, "Wash Away Injustice: Boycott Vermont Hand Wash." Vermont Hand Wash is one of several carwashes that are being boycotted because of gross labor law violations that have led to criminal charges being filed by the Los Angeles city attorney.

Just two months ago, CBS Outdoor took down a similar billboard near the carwash after its owners, Benny and Nisan Pirian, apparently pressured corporate advertising executives.

But last week, carwasheros finally got their call for justice posted by another billboard company. The billboard stands above Sunset Boulevard at a spot passed by more than 18,000 commuters a day. In coming weeks, hundreds of thousands of Angelenos will see the message.

"We hope they see the billboard and support the boycott," said Bosbely Reyna, a former carwash worker from Vermont Hand Wash who is an activist with the Carwash Workers Organizing Committee of the United Steelworkers.

To learn more about the CLEAN Carwash Campaign, go to http://www.cleancarwashla.org.