YAKIMA, Washington-Some 270 members of the Western Council of Industrial Workers (WCIW) Local 3023 went out on strike September 23 after rejecting the latest contract offer from Snokist Growers Inc. The striking workers joined the WCIW in 2002 after the company terminated medical and dental benefits and fired several hundred employees, and are still seeking their first contract with the company. Two hundred of the fired workers were then rehired as seasonal or temporary workers at a significantly lower wage.

The strike takes place at the beginning of the pear and apple packing season. The company’s last offer includes plans to take back sick leave, cut more wages, overtime rates, and holiday and vacation pay. Snokist harvests and processes more than 100,000 tons of apples, pears, cherries, and plums per year. The temporary agency used by the company has announced it will provide Snokist with permanent replacements for workers who join the strike.

“Usually 200 to 250 strikers and supporters from other workplaces come out every morning to show the company and replacement workers we are determined and have support,” said Rogelio Montes, a WCIW organizer.

—CECILIA MORIARITY  
 
 
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