Ninfa Walsh is an Activist Network member in Miami, FL

With current economy, many women have turned to any job available to help keep their family financially in tact. I returned to the work force to help cope with economic pressure after 24 years raising my three daughters. I went from job interview to job interview before applying and accepting a job as an overnight stocking clerk.

At this position, I only lasted 3 months in a work environment full of profanity and put-downs, with an overflow of work to be done and very little employees to complete the tasks. The pay was not comparable to the work that we were doing. After six months, I found another position as an overnight stocker but my struggles with abusive work environments were not over. When I tried to bring matters of differing pay and duties to my supervisor's attention, I was told that there weren’t enough employees, I would need to fill in, excuse after excuse. The more I tried to stand up for my rights in the workplace, the more I was punished. My hours were cut, my shifts were cut-but still I stayed, keeping my family in mind.

A new transfer supervisor came in, bringing with him an openly hostile work environment. This supervisor was openly hostile with specific employees, especially the Spanish-speaking employees. Yet, any complaints to managers or Human Resources never made it past the store level.

At first, I kept silent, afraid to lose my job but now I want to make a change. I can no longer keep silent. Don't accept workplace harassment! Fight for change. I think if I wasn’t alone in trying to change the way we are treated at work, I could do more for myself and my coworkers. However, most of my coworkers are scared to say anything because they fear losing their jobs and being retaliated against. The employers use the economy against them, scaring them by threatening their job. I hope that by sharing my story, more people will learn their workplace rights and help me speak out for a fair work environment for all.