| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 26, 1999 |
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UNION JOINS COALITION IN CALL FOR JUSTICE FOR POULTRY WORKERS Louisville, KY -- Members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW), the largest union of poultry workers in the U.S., joined today in a public call for justice for poultry workers. Hundreds of union members, religious leaders, community members took to the street to demand that KFC, the world's largest poultry retailer, endorse a Code of Conduct for poultry suppliers. The group demanded that KFC ask their suppliers to adhere to a Code of Conduct that would provide poultry workers with a living wage, safer working conditions, stronger food safety provisions and the right to organize a union in the workplace. More poultry retailers, including grocery stores and restaurants, will be asked to endorse the Code of Conduct. The action at KFC, part of the annual meeting of Jobs with Justice, signals a growing national movement demanding justice in the poultry industry. Poultry workers suffer under terrible working conditions and earn near poverty-level wages, despite the soaring profits of the industry. Today's event included voices from the more than 250 Tyson poultry workers from Corydon, Indiana, members of UFCW Local 227, who were forced on strike over management demands to eliminate paid breaks, reduce overtime pay rates and gut contract protections. The Corydon workers' struggle for dignity and decency has won the support from people across the country including the National Baptist Convention-USA, Inc. and the Rev. Jesse Jackson. United Food and Commercial Workers International Union: A Voice for Working America |
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