The unionists rejected the company’s latest contract offer because of unacceptable concession demands. Union officials said they objected to a 700 percent increase in medical insurance costs.

They were also offered wage raises of only 5 to 25 cents per hour, depending on job classification. Wages for laborers are now about $9 an hour, with machine operators earning around $11. Negotiations continue.

The 90 workers, members of United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE) Local 1159, are demanding seniority, raises, improved health and safety conditions, better benefits, and union rights.

Catarino Pita, with 20 years in the plant, said one of the things that sparked the strike was abuse on the job, supervisors yelling at workers, and favoritism toward some workers. "To deal with this we are demanding a seniority system," Pita said. Job assignment, shift preference, and overtime are not currently determined by seniority. Pita said many of the strikers have 20 years or more in the plant. "These abuses are not new. But finally the water got up to here," he said, pointing to his neck. "We had to do something."

The union brought a complaint against Azteca Foods to the National Labor Relations Board. They charged the company with violating labor laws by videotaping union rallies and threatening workers involved in union organizing. The NLRB ruled in their favor in September. The company faces a hearing on the unfair labor practice charges in February. Company president Arturo Velásquez denies the charges and has pledged to keep up production during the strike.

Before the walkout the average output of the company has been close to 3 million tortillas a day and annual sales are more than $30 million. Its products reach supermarkets in 35 states. In the press, Velásquez is touted as one of the most prominent Hispanic businessmen, a "community leader," and philanthropist.

The strikers, who in their majority are Mexican-born, have not been deterred from publicizing their fight. Josefina Bonilla, a 28-year Azteca foods employee and member of the union’s negotiating committee, told the Chicago Tribune, "In the community he might have a heart of gold but here he has a heart of stone."

In addition to walking the picket line, strikers travel to grocery stores around the city distributing leaflets explaining the issues in their fight.

In the spring of 2000, their determination to get improved wages and benefits as well as dignity and respect on the job led them to successfully fight to disaffiliate from the pro-company Distillery Workers Local 3, and in April of this year they won recognition of their union, the UE.

Pattie Thompson is a sewing machine operator and member of the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees in Chicago.  
 
 
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