The agreement grants workers the right to have 10-minute prayer breaks for workers who are Muslim, according to Said Yousuf, a shop steward and vice president of the union local. In addition, the company offered reinstatement to 10 workers who were fired last year for taking such breaks.

“When people stick together there are good things possible,” Yousuf told the Militant. “At this time there is no problem with the company over prayer breaks.”

On September 17, some 300 workers walked out of the plant to protest company denial of prayer breaks and the firing of 10 workers for “unauthorized breaks.” Those who walked out are Muslims, originally from Somalia. Half the employees at the plant are Somali. The workforce, many of whom are women, also includes Sudanese, Mexican, U.S.- born, and others. For years the Somali workers had organized to relieve each other on the line for prayer breaks with Tyson's agreement. The conflict unfolded after the union contract expired in early September and during talks for wage and health-care improvements. At that time, the union was also in the midst of a recruitment drive to increase its membership in the plant. After the walkout Tyson officials asked workers, except those fired, to return to work, and the union said the issue would be addressed in the contract negotiations.

Hassam Abdullahi is a union member and leader of the Somali community who helped lead the September 17 walkout. Abdullahi told the Militant that as word spreads about the contract settlement more workers, including Somalis, are moving to Norfolk to seek work. “I believe the union is our shelter and our defense,” he said. “Without it we are as vulnerable as standing outside in the winter here without a coat. Workers need to defend themselves and to have one voice, one goal, and one direction. I hope in the near future many more people will become unionists.”

Dina Tovar, 20, has worked in the plant for over a year. While she did not join the union when she got hired, she says now she probably will. “The union did pretty good,” she said. “We got a raise and the starting pay for new hires went up. Also there are more people on the line now. Before, three people were doing the jobs of five. The prayer break is now settled. Everyone gets two 10-minute breaks for whatever.” Pointing out that her family’s heritage is Mexican, she said that workers from many countries work side by side in the plant and get along well. She noted that health insurance costs increased and that is the main issue in the contract she is dissatisfied with.

Edwin Fruit is a member of UFCW Local 1149 and works at Tyson in Perry, Iowa.  
 
 
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