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‘Day Without Immigrants’ Has an Impact on the Capitol

Workers moved over to Dirksen due to shortage

The Refectory of the Senate was closed at noon on Thursday. (Alex Gangitano/ CQ Roll Call)
The Refectory of the Senate was closed at noon on Thursday. (Alex Gangitano/ CQ Roll Call)

The Capitol complex was affected only slightly by “A Day Without Immigrants” protests on Thursday, but enough to serve as a reminder of how many Latinos work on the Hill.

The cafeteria in the Dirksen Senate Office Building had a fair amount of predominantly Latino employees call in sick Thursday, according to multiple employees in the Capitol.

As a result, cashiers had to be moved over from the Refectory of the Senate, which didn’t have enough workers and was closed all day.

The sign on the door of the Refectory of the Senate. (Alex Gangitano/ CQ Roll Call)
The sign on the door of the Refectory of the Senate. (Alex Gangitano/ CQ Roll Call)

Around noon on Thursday, Dirksen’s cafeteria seemed to be operating smoothly and regularly and had the same amount of workers as most days.

Supporters of the protest called for immigrants to skip work Thursday to protest the Trump administration’s immigration policies. 

Outside the Senate, chef Jose Andres closed his D.C. restaurants to show his support for immigrant workers, NPR reported.

Busboys and Poets also closed its six D.C.-area locations to support the strike. On its website, the restaurant said they expect to reopen Friday for normal operating hours.

A source in the Capitol said it is hoped things will also get back to normal in the complex on Friday.

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