| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 27, 2002 |
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Voices United: A Union for ConAgra Workers ConAgra workers, supported by community and religious leaders, rallied outside the plant gate today. Workers demanded that ConAgra recognizes the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) Local 271. A majority of workers have made their choice for a voice on the job with the UFCW. ConAgra should respect that choice and begin bargaining a contract with the 500 meatpacking workers. If ConAgra refuses, workers demand the opportunity to vote in an election. "Our religious traditions teach us that the dignity of all workers must be respected and recognizes workers' right to organize on the job in order to have a voice," said Father Damien, Pastor at Our Lady of Guadalupe and a leader with Omaha Together/One Community (OTOC). Supporters at the rally today criticized the company for systematically intimidating and harassing workers from organizing during a union drive two years ago. ConAgra's anti-union campaign terrorized a majority of the workers against voting for the union. "We all believed the company's promises in the last election, but none of the promises were fulfilled," said Maria Pinto, a ConAgra worker who is a leader in the organizing effort. "We want our union because we want to have a better future and be treated with respect." Community and religious leaders called on the company to remain neutral throughout an election campaign and to promise a free and fair election. Workers filed a petition for an election with the National Labor Relations Board today. ConAgra workers won't be fooled again. Secundino Lopez has worked on the kill floor at ConAgra for two years. He said, "I didn't support the union two years ago. But this year, I won't be fooled." During the election campaign two years ago, workers in the ConAgra maintenance department voted for UFCW representation. The maintenance workers ratified their first union contract in July, 2001 that guaranteed higher wages and better benefits. Worker actions spread to the Armour Swift Eckrich plant where workers also organized with the UFCW and have a union contract. Nebraska Beef workers also held an election that was subsequently overturned by the NLRB due to the company's illegal conduct during the campaign. The company appealed the ruling by the Labor Board that orders a new election. Workers are awaiting a final ruling. The UFCW has been working with Omaha Together/One Community to help the 4,000 meatpacking workers in the Omaha area gain a voice on the job. United Food and Commercial Workers Union: A Voice for Working America - www.ufcw.org |
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