'Workers on the Rise' documentary to premiere Nov. 14

ASU’s West campus will host the premiere screening of the documentary film “Workers on the Rise,” at 6 p.m., Nov. 14. The film sheds light on the history and work of the Arizona Worker Rights Center. Following the screening of the 30-minute video, a panel of workers and activists will host a discussion and answer questions about the film and the work of the center.

The Arizona Worker Rights Center is a Phoenix nonprofit organization that documents labor rights violations, challenges abusive employers, promotes worker-friendly legislation, and develops worker leadership and community in the Valley.

Videographer Justine Garcia and Michelle Téllez, a faculty member in ASU’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, teamed up to produce “Workers on the Rise.” New College is the core college on the West campus.

“This project is significant for a number of reasons,” Téllez said. “It draws attention to the issue of wage theft, a national epidemic, but one that people know little about. Also, it examines the particular circumstances of this issue in the context of Arizona politics and U.S./Mexico border migration. Finally, it gives viewers a glimpse into the lives of migrant workers who have made Arizona their home. Through their experiences we learn the power of collective action and the importance of knowing one’s rights – both our human and labor rights.”

Among the panelists participating in the post-screening discussion are Masavi Perea, president of the board for the Worker Rights Center, board member Jose Ruperto Reyes, and center members Rebecca Gallegos, Julian Caballero and Evangelina Garcia.

The Nov. 14 event is sponsored by New College’s School of Humanities, Arts and Cultural Studies, the Master’s in Social Justice and Human Rights Program, and the 2012 Border Justice Series, along with the Arizona Interfaith Alliance for Worker Justice.

The 6 p.m. program takes place in the Kiva Lecture Hall on the West campus at 4701 W. Thunderbird Road. The event is free and open to the public; visitor parking on campus costs $2 per hour.

For more information, contact Téllez at michelle.tellez@asu.edu.