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Labor-Greens Network Calls for Support of Tyson Strike. |
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Release forwarded by the Green Party of the United States. September 29, 2003 Labor Greens Network The national Labor Greens Network formally announced their support of UFCW Local 538 in their strike against Tyson Foods Inc. at the Dokosil plant in Jefferson, WI. The Labor Greens Network is calling on labor activists and Green Party members across the country to actively support 470 strikers in Jefferson, Wisconsin, who have been on the picket line since February when Tyson Foods refused further contract negotiations. The announcement came September 14th at the biannual Labor Notes conference in Dearborn, Michigan. "Tyson is the biggest meat packer in the country right now and the corporation is targeting these workers as an example to the whole industry and the entire US labor movement," said Labor Greens Network co-convener John Peck, "The UCFW and the labor movement can win this struggle, but that can only happen when consumers support workers rights through boycott, government legislation, strike support, and direct action." Under the Tyson's current plan, newly hired employees' hourly wages would be cut by $2.10 an hour, and pension benefits would no longer be offered. Sick leave and disability benefits would be cut by half, vacation leave would be reduced by 33%, and severance protections would be completely eliminated, thereby granting Tyson license to cut jobs without cost. The national Labor Greens Network stands in solidarity with Local 538, demanding that Tyson, a company whose gross profits were more than $2.23 billion last year, cease all union-busting tactics and meet with government mediators to resolve the proposed contract to the satisfaction of striking workers and their families. Until such time as Tyson renews its commitment to the people of Jefferson and its workers by engaging in fair labor practices, the national Labor Greens Network calls for a general boycott of all Tyson products. Other Green organizations currently supporting the boycott include the Wisconsin Green Party, the national Campus Greens, and 15 Green Party locals across the midwest. "The people here have been very strong. They've been an inspiration. I'm very proud of them," commented Local 538 President Mike Rice, "They're taking on this fight not just for themselves but for people across the country that are fighting against Tyson's concessionary demands." Striker Chuck Moehling echoed the call for support of the struggle at the Jefferson plant: "At this point in the strike we encourage everyone to get behind us. It's been a David and Goliath struggle and it's a welcome site to have Green Party support." The Labor Greens Network is an organization of labor movement activists involved in the Green Party. It was formed in Detroit in 2002 and is in the process of applying to the Green Party of the United States for official recognition as a Green Party network. search:
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