Pizza Hut Protest

Pizza Hut Workers Protest Layoffs

Current, and former employees from Pizza Huts as far as Elgin gathered in West Bucktown today to protest recent layoffs, affecting an estimated 100 Latino workers, primarily those with the most seniority at the chain, which is part of the Texas based Yum Brands corporation. Chants of "Si, se puede," or "Yes, we can!" (I think) filled the air as protestors passed out flyers encouraging the public to call Pizza Hut President Scott Bergren, and "Tell him that Pizza Hut should stop firing its long-time immigrant employees and return those it has already fired back to work."

According to organizer Leone Jose Bicchieri, of the Chicago Workers Collaborative, the impetus for the firings were Social Security "No Match" letters sent to Pizza Hut franchisees requiring them to correct mismatched SSNs, and to update name, and address information for affected employees. Per the National Immigration Law Center, the only obligation of an employer upon receipt of an SSA "No Match" letter is to notify its employee for the purpose of obtaining the correct information. In this case, however, employees were released from their positions, many after decades of service. Pictured here are five employees of an Elgin Pizza Hut with over 40 years of combined experience. The women received letters last week notifying them that they would be terminated on account of the "No Match" letters.

Leonardo, a worker from a Melrose Park Pizza Hut, was recently let go, along with his wife. Both worked in the kitchen for 10 years, and were replaced by younger, and cheaper workers. Per Leonardo, he suspects that it is easier because Pizza Hut will not have to pay the new workers vacation hours, and they will work 32 hours per week vs. 40.

Sources: Leone Jose Bicchieri, Chicago Workers Collaborative, 773-655-0815, leonejb@prodigy.net

Per the flyer (sorry, no scanner), call Pizza Hut President, Scott Bergren, at 972-338-7700.