Noticias 2-16-26

·15 min·1 clip

Ruth Rivas explains why her lawsuit against Teyure Ski and Golf Resort isn't about $75,000 but about systemic mistreatment of Latino workers.

The episode opens with host Luis Tavares introducing the day's headlines, focusing on an in-depth review of the Ruth Rivas case. In 2025, Rivas filed a collective lawsuit against Teyure Ski and Golf Resort on behalf of herself and others, alleging labor exploitation at the Peaks Hotel, including wage theft and forced overtime without days off. The law firm Truth Justice from Denver, which previously represented workers against Hotel Madeline, is handling the case. Rivas is interviewed to explain her motivations. She clarifies that the lawsuit is not about a $75,000 settlement, as many assume, but about the poor treatment she and other Latino workers received. Rivas emphasizes she is speaking for a larger group in the collective lawsuit, not just herself, as others fear job or housing loss. She describes being told by a manager that she had to work harder because she doesn't speak English, which deeply affected her. When asked if people treat her differently since the lawsuit, she says yes, citing negative reactions from former colleagues and even strangers on a bus who dismissed her as just a housekeeper. Rivas recounts a specific incident where, after working 15-hour days for a year and a half, she called an ambulance due to stress but was advised not to go to the medical center to avoid company expenses. She later requested days off, which angered her manager. After escalating issues to human resources, she was fired within 15 days for not aligning with company regulations. Subsequently, the resort blocked her from working anywhere on the mountain for six months, affecting her housing and causing desperation. Rivas now works at the San Miguel Resource Center and uses her position to encourage other Latino workers to speak out, mentioning support from organizations like Tree County, Roots Without Borders, and CAFI. The episode concludes with a statement from Teyure Ski and Golf Resort disputing Rivas's claims and committing to defend themselves in court, followed by a weather forecast.

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