Latinos Hope to Make Their Economic Impact Felt

Latinos Hope to Make Their Economic Impact Felt


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Samantha Hayes ReportingThe phones are ringing off the hook at a local Spanish radio station, where they are talking about this weekend's march, expected to bring thousands of people downtown.

The march is over immigration reform and many Latinos say their voices will be heard, and at the same time, their influence on the local economy will be felt. That's because many are leaving work this weekend to protest.

And while that is not being advocated by certain Latino groups, many individuals feel that's the best way to make a point.

Latinos Hope to Make Their Economic Impact Felt

There's a lot of talk about what will happen come Sunday.

Tony Yapias, Latino Project of Utah: "It's overwhelming the calls we are getting today are in support of the march, long overdue. Our people have been frustrated with everything going on and it's been building up to this."

Businesses are feeling the pressure of what may happen if the majority of their workers don't show up. In regards to a rally Monday, text messages are saying, "all Latinos stay home. No school. No work. No shopping. Pass it on.'"

Tony Yapias: "I've probably talked to two-dozen employers with the same concerns, with the same questions of what's happening, what's going on. Saying, 'I don't want my people to miss a day."

Latinos Hope to Make Their Economic Impact Felt

A letter to workers from DelTaco states, "to show our appreciation for those who are working on April 9th and 10th, we will give you time and one half pay for the hours you will work during those two days."

Tony Yapias says he is not promoting workers to leave, that's why his organization's march is planned for Sunday, when more people are off. But he says if their employers can pay them more to work this weekend, some workers feel that shows how important Latinos are to the local economy.

Tony Yapias: "We know we are out there doing the jobs few people want to do."

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