There was little evidence that Monday?s national boycott had a major impact on Maryland businesses that employ many immigrants, such as restaurants, hotels and construction sites. But Perdue Farms of Salisbury did close down eight of its poultry processing plants east of the Mississippi, operating them on Saturday instead.
Some construction contractors were also allowing employees to make up any hours they missed this coming Saturday, said Mike Henderson, president of Associated Builders and Contractors. Employers told their workers, “Do what you got to do,” and there were sites “where things didn?t get done” on Monday, he said.
In Baltimore City, about 20 eateries had signs posted in doorways that their business would be closed for the day.
In contrast, at several Annapolis eateries, most of the Hispanic and immigrant employees appeared to have come in for work.
“This day has been relatively uneventful for Maryland restaurants,” said Melvin Thompson, director of government relations for the Restaurant Association of Maryland. “I haven?t really gotten any calls.” The association sent information last week about the possible boycott to its 3,000 members, encouraging them to talk with their employees and give them the day off if they wanted to take part in demonstrations, Thompson said.
