| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 25, 2000 |
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Omaha ConAgra Workers Demand Union Recognition ConAgra workers are standing up for a voice on the job. Today, workers gathered in front of the plant at the end of the shift and called on the company to recognize their choice for union representation with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 271. "We are here to announce we have a majority, over 50%, of our fellow workers have signed UFCW authorization cards. Today we are asking ConAgra to respect our choice and recognize our union, the UFCW," said Julio Gonzales, chairman of the UFCW/OTOC organizing committee at the plant. Federal law dictates that once a majority of workers in a bargaining unit demonstrate their desire to have union representation, the employer may recognize the union. More than a majority of ConAgra workers have made their legal choice by signing union authorization cards. UFCW Local 271 President Donna McDonald delivered a letter to ConAgra requesting that, "ConAgra respect the wishes and the legal right of its workers and recognize Local 271 as the bargaining agent of full-time and part-time production workers in Omaha, Nebraska." ConAgra has publically expressed its refusal to accept the workers' choice and are demanding a prolonged election. The UFCW has called on ConAgra to act in good faith and to recognize the workers' union. In workplaces across the country, the UFCW frequently reaches labor agreements with companies through card-check or voluntary recognition--a process that is much less adversarial and stressful for workers then a prolonged election. Omaha Together/One Community (OTOC), a coalition of 39 congregations, joined the UFCW in condemning ConAgra for ill-willed delay tactics and circumventing worker rights. "ConAgra has called for an election that would be divisive and prolong the recognition process. Their action will divide the community and delay the workers gaining a voice on the job. OTOC's mission is to bring people together and we are asking ConAGra to do their part by respecting workers rights and recognize the union," said Father John Buckson, Associate Pastor at St. Agnes and Our Lady of Guadelupe parishes. The UFCW and OTOC have planned a rally and march for Wednesday, September 27, 2000 at the ConAgra headquarters in downtown Omaha. |
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