News Summary
The Hat Creek Burger Company has come under fire following the firing of eight employees for participating in the ‘Day Without Immigrants’ protest. This protest aimed to highlight the contributions of immigrants to American society in response to recent immigration policies. Employees, including an assistant general manager, report feeling misled by management, who initially stated that attending the protest would only result in forfeited pay. The situation has sparked outrage within the community, underscoring the issues surrounding the treatment of immigrant workers.
Hat Creek Burger Company Faces Backlash for Firing Employees Who Participated in Protest
Austin, Texas – The Hat Creek Burger Company, known for its delicious burgers and friendly atmosphere, is facing intense scrutiny after reports surfaced about the termination of eight employees who took part in the nationwide “Day Without Immigrants” protest on February 3. This protest was organized in response to recent immigration policies under President Donald Trump, highlighting the significant contributions immigrants make to American society.
The Background of the Protest
The “Day Without Immigrants” protest isn’t something new; it actually started gaining momentum in 2017. The goal was clear: to show the impact of immigrants in the workplace and community by having thousands not show up for work. Many businesses reacted differently, with some choosing to close their doors in solidarity, while others opted to keep operating with reduced staff. This wave of protests saw restaurants closing their doors, while many immigrant workers stepped back to voice their concerns.
The Firings and Fallout
Among those let go was Francisco Perez, an **assistant general manager**, who reported for his usual shift that day. He claimed that management had initially assured employees that anyone attending the protest would only forfeit their pay for that day, not face potential termination. Just the day before, a mass text message was sent out to staff announcing a “Día de agradecimiento al equipo!” offering a free meal and a **$25 Amazon gift card** to those who came to work, which many employees noted was the first time such an incentive was offered.
To add to the drama, a former manager also stepped forward, stating they faced termination for attending the protest, despite having reported to work as scheduled. Initially, employees were encouraged to communicate their absence to management, but those who did so faced the surprising consequence of being fired instead of receiving a mere write-up.
Management’s Defense
Hat Creek’s management stood firm in their decision, claiming the terminations were based on **deviations from established attendance policies** that require employees to provide advance notice for any time off. They accused Perez of encouraging others to skip their shifts, an allegation he firmly disputes. This statement from management sparked more outrage from employees, who were already feeling the effects of their dismissals.
Community Response
The protests began in Houston on February 2, leading up to the larger action the following day. Many businesses in the area closed out of solidarity, showing support for their employees standing up against perceived injustices in the treatment of undocumented workers. With approximately one million undocumented individuals employed in the restaurant industry across the United States, the significance of this protest has become painfully clear.
Emotional Impact on Employees
Employees reached out to local media outlets, sharing their feelings of injustice and racism following their terminations. Many echoed a sentiment that went beyond job loss; it struck at the heart of their ability to support their families. One employee reflected that management had threatened them with a write-up for simply participating in the protest, without any prior warning about potential job losses.
This chain of events has raised serious questions about the treatment of immigrant staff and the moral responsibility of companies towards their workers, especially in a city like Austin, known for its inclusive spirit and support for diversity. The situation continues to evolve, with many watching closely to see how Hat Creek will navigate these turbulent waters and what steps, if any, they will take to reconcile with their affected employees.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Eater Austin
- Wikipedia: Day Without Immigrants
- Austin Chronicle
- Google Search: Hat Creek Burger Company protest
- MSN Food & Drink
- Google Scholar: immigrant protests 2025
- Restaurant News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: immigration policy 2025
- Texas Highways
- Google News: Hat Creek Burger protest 2025
