Two Filipino homecare workers reached a settlement over unpaid wages with which they will be paid over $70,000 in unpaid wages and penalties by their employer.  The Filipino Community Center (FCC) and the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns in Northern California (NAFCON-NorCal) made the announcement December 17.

Victoria Aquino was handed a check representing part of the $60,000 due her in back wages and restitution, while Lourdes Aquino was given a check payment for her full claim of $11,000. The checks were presented by their lawyer Marci Seville, who is also director of the Women’s Employment Rights Clinic (WERC), a nonprofit organization helping abused caregivers.

“This community and worker victory is a landmark case among the thousands of Filipino migrant workers leaving the Philippines every day in search of work abroad, many ending up right here in the US as caregivers,” said Terrence Valen, FCC director. “We are inspired by Tita Vicky and Tita Lourdes standing up and fighting for their right to a fair wage. FCC and NAFCON-NorCal will continue to work with them and thousands of others facing similar workplace rights violations.”  The case of Aquino and Torres underscores the widespread exploitation occurring in the caregiver industry.