100 immigrant workers fired in US after going on strike

Businesses are closed as Latino immigrants across Philadelphia skip work on Thursday as part of a "Day Without Immigrants" campaign in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, February 16, 2017. (Photo by AFP)

More than 100 migrant workers across the US have reportedly been fired from their jobs after participating in “Day Without Immigrants” protest last week.

Business owners fired the workers after they skipped a day and stayed at home on Thursday to highlight the contributions of immigrants in the country, amid President Donald Trump’s sweeping measures to curb immigration, US media reported on Monday.

Restaurants, child care centers and construction companies in states like Florida, Tennessee, Oklahoma and New York were among the many businesses that axed their employees.

In Commerce City, Colorado, JVS Masonry laid off around 30 bricklayers and showed no remorse.

"They were warned, 'if you do this you're hurting the company, and if you go against the team you're not a member of the team'," said Jim Serowski, an spokesman.

In Pennsylvania, commercial painting company Bradley Coatings, Incorporated fired 18 employees, according to NBC4.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, six more people were fired from a Bahama Breeze restaurant for taking part in the protest.

Robert Peal, the company’s attorney, confirmed the move in a statement to the network, adding that the workers were all warned against skipping work on Thursday.

"Regretfully, and consistent with its prior communication to all its employees, BCI had no choice but to terminate these individuals. The reason these employees missed work — to engage in peaceful demonstrations — had nothing to do with BCI's decision to terminate them," his statement read.

A woman is seen infront of a restaurant with a sign announcing that it is closed for a "Day Without Immigrants" in Washington, DC on February 16, 2017. (Photo by AFP)

In Tulsa, Oklahoma, 12 Latino restaurant workers were fired by I Don’t Care Bar and Grill, according to Fox News.

At least two staff members of Grace Community School in Bonita Springs, Florida, also said they were fired after taking part in the strike. The school has denied the claim.

In Long Island, New York, 25 workers were fired by Ben's Kosher Delicatessen Restaurant & Caterers upon returning to work on Friday, Telemundo 47 reported.

The reports prompted harsh responses on social media, with many users calling on others to boycott the businesses that fire immigrants.