Jose's Big Win

Jose Olivares is from Santa Rosa, Guatemala. He’s been in the U.S. for nearly ten years – Des Moines has made up eight of those years. This is what he feels about Des Moines:

“I really like Des Moines. It’s nice, it’s quiet, and it’s not dangerous like other states. It’s really beautiful here and I really like it. I don’t think I will move away from Des Moines, until I go back to Guatemala. I am planning to return – my kids are there, three of them are graduating from high school this year.”

One aspect of Des Moines was not so nice recently – O2 Painting. Jose worked there for 1 month on an hourly basis painting the inside and outside of houses, and he was not paid for his work.

So, Jose came to CCI.“I remember that we talked to Jeremy [of O2 Painting] on the phone a bunch of times, we sent a letter, and then we personally delivered a meeting request to his house. His brother yelled at us and we had to tell him why we were there and that his brother owed a bunch of money. I found out he was in Iowa City and then we filed a claim with Iowa Workforce Development,” said Jose.

A judgment was given in Jose’s favor for $5,000 plus interest! He has received $3,943.16 and there is more on the way. Jose was originally owed $3,102 – Jeremy’s refusal to pay cost him more money.

“I have told other workers to go to CCI if they have any problems. Many of my friends have told me they have gone to CCI and told me that you really do help out,” said Jose.

Jose: +5,000 | Wage thief: -5,000

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