08/05/2026
Two weeks ago, more than 30 Damayan organizers, members, and supporters joined Damayan member and domestic worker AJ (not her real name) in a rally in front of her employer’s office in Wall Street, NY, demanding that her former employers pay the wages they stole.
AJ is a Filipina mother who was brought from Singapore to work as a domestic worker in New Jersey by her employers, Thomas and Melissa Reid. She signed a contract believing she was building a better future for her children back home.
Instead, she worked around the clock, far below minimum wage, and endured slave-like conditions — cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, ironing, and even washing her employers’ car.
Despite the abuse, AJ repeatedly raised concerns to her employers who threatened her with deportation. The final time she stood up for herself, her employers bought her a one-way ticket back to the Philippines with just three days to pack. But AJ knew she was being abused, and she chose to stay in the US to pursue justice, with Damayan’s support.
Before the rally, AJ’s attorneys from NY Legal Aid Group (NYLAG) delivered a demand letter to Thomas Reid, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Spencer Ogden, in his office. When Thomas went to his lunch break, he was met by protesters outside his office building.
Representatives from the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA)–NY, ICE Out of New York, and the Office of NYS Assemblymember Steven Raga shared messages of solidarity and support.
The protest was met with positive energy from the workers and passersby around the area. Restaurant workers cheered, a driver honked in support, and a bystander chanted “Tax the Rich.”
The protesters promised to return until Thomas and Melissa Reid pay AJ the wages they stole. We won’t stop because AJ and Filipina domestic workers deserve justice, dignity, and better worker protections.💥✊
Support the Campaign:
● Become a member of Damayan 🏠
● Volunteer to help AJ win back her stolen wages 🤲
● Spread the word 📣
