The company hasn't "accepted the fact that we are unionized," said striker Lyne Wong. The owner "won't even mention the word union. This is our first real contract. We got the union in three years ago." The major issues in the strike are a guaranteed 40-hour work week, a closed union shop, and improved benefits. There have been no negotiations for weeks.

"They think we are over paid," Wong added. "They say there is a good environment and they treat us like family. When we ask for medical benefits or long-term disability they say no. We are immigrants from Third World countries. They expected us to just keep our heads down and keep working. They didn't expect us to be united."

Eight workers have crossed the picket lines and some production is going on. However, striking worker Norma Moore reported that the company has had to cancel corporate orders for Christmas because they do not have enough chocolates. According to Wong, these orders brought in $14 million for the company last year.  
 
 
Front page (for this issue) | Home | Text-version home