AZTECA FOODS STRIKE UPDATE

AZTECA FOODS STRIKE UPDATE

UE Action Net - February 18, 2003

SOME GOOD NEWS:
- AZTECA ACCEPTS FEDERAL MEDIATION
- Today's LaSalle Bank Rally is Canceled
- Your Support Needed Now More Than Ever!

After months of persistent requests by UE, backed by tremendous community and worldwide support, Azteca Foods CEO Art Velasquez has agreed to accept Federal Mediation in contract negotiations. In exchange for mediated bargaining, the rally at LaSalle Bank Headquarters in downtown Chicago on Today (Tuesday, February 18) at 4:15pm has been canceled.

MEDIATION WELCOMED; NO GUARANTEE

While Azteca workers welcome Azteca's acceptance of federal mediations in their struggle for justice, they know that mediation provides no guarantee that the company is ready and willing to negotiate a fair first contract. They are, however, hopeful that this development indicates that real progress can finally be made at the bargaining table.

Azteca workers have on the picket line since September 30th in a unfair labor practice strike sparked by Azteca's use of threats and surveillance last summer. In addition they are fighting unjustified takeaways by the company.

ONGOING STRUGGLE

Members of UE Local 1159 know that they must continue to pressure the company for a fair contract, despite the breakthrough Azteca's acceptance of mediation represents. They deeply appreciate all of the local community support and the solidarity messages that have been sent on their behalf by people worldwide.

(This story can be found here)

PLEASE HELP: Keep up the pressure on Azteca to convince the company to start making real progress at the bargaining table:

Contact Azteca Foods owner Art Velasquez at 800-475-7997 and tell him to stop stalling and negotiate a fair contract now!
Encourage other activists and organizations to sign the pledge of support at the UE website: http://www.ranknfile-ue.org/cm/aztboycott.php.
Financial contributions would be appreciated and can be made via Paypal at http://www.ranknfile-ue.org/1159azteca_donations.html. Contribution may also be sent by mail to UE Local 1159, 37 South Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60607.
Send a letter to the editor of your local newspapers and let them know that a national boycott of Azteca products is going on and encourage others to contact the company.
Send this message out to all listserves that you participate in and let them know about the workers' fight for dignity, respect and justice. Ask them to contact Azteca by phone and let the company know that they are supporting the boycott.

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