The 105 union members have been on strike against the Mexican cheese distribution center since May 29, when they walked out to protest the company's refusal to recognize the union and sign a contract. For the first time since April, the company has now responded in negotiations with a proposal.

The company representative offered a 25-cents per hour raise for only the most senior truck drivers, a move that would create for the first time a second tier of workers who would actually receive a pay cut. The union's local president, Chuck Murdoch, called the proposal "an insult." The workers have not had a raise for three years, and average wages are currently $6–8 an hour. No worker interviewed said they were willing to accept the company's offer.

In his remarks to the vigil, Marcelina de la Rosa emphasized that one of the main reasons they decided to fight was to be treated fairly and with respect by the company. "They stood over us timing how many cheeses per minute we made and how much time we spent in the bathroom," he said. "Overtime should be voluntary. We asked them to have at least some hours in the evening to go learn English but they said we didn't need it for our jobs. You have to work 10, 12, or 14 hours, or as long as they want, or you are fired."

This sentiment was also expressed on the picket line by Carlos, a worker who was fired by the company some years before but regularly visits the picket line to offer his support.

Rodea said that some workers "are afraid, knowing that any time they could fall into the hands of immigration. The bosses use this. We are organizing also to defend ourselves and to put an end to this injustice."

The unionists said that this week the company's stance toward the strikers shifted for the worse in one way. "Before, whatever crime may happen in the neighborhood, the company always pointed the finger at us," said Javier Nava. The private security guards on the roof and at the gates videotape strikers daily, and trucks are followed out by security escort cars. "Since we are on strike, they consider us criminals," he added.

But on September 14 the owners, Gilberto and Felipe Villaseñor, went a step further. Union president Murdoch said the company called the Chicago Police Department Labor Detail, "which takes charge in questions of labor disputes. Officer Michael Hughes came out and told the union to move all parked cars and garbage cans from in front of the building because the company was concerned about bombs." The unionists complied with the request.

"They use every kind of intimidation and discrimination against us." Rodea said. "But we are not that easily defeated."

Pattie Thompson is a meat packer. Arrin Hawkins, a meat packer and member of UFCW Local 100A, contributed to this article.  
 
 
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