Vol. 76/No. 46      December 17, 2012

The flour mill workers, members of Teamsters Local 657, have been on strike since April 25, 2011, when the company reopened their three-year contract after one year with demands for a steep increase in workers’ health care costs.

Spirits on the picket line remain high, in spite of the fact that Guenther has been using nonunion workers to run the mill, has refused to talk with the union and has convinced a few union members to cross the line.

From early morning to late in the evening, groups of strikers picket each weekday.

“Some people have had to get temporary jobs to survive,” Alex Garcia said. “After working here more than 40 years you can sure say this is my strike too. I am retired now, so I help those who have to work other jobs by picketing every afternoon. So does Eladio,” he said pointing to Eladio Alvarado, another veteran on the line.

“Those who are working come here in the early mornings and evenings,” Alvarado told the Militant.

“Picketing every day isn’t easy,” added Jesse Hernandez, who has worked for Pioneer for more than 15 years. “But we are glad to do it.”

“Since I’ve been on strike I’ve had to work a bunch of temporary jobs,” said Maria Eva Martinez, as she joined the line. “The pay is terrible and the contractors are crooks. It makes me think about how important it is that we are standing up for our rights.”

“We get lots of honks of support as people pass by in cars, trucks and even buses,” said Vela, as passing motorists honked. “I think people look to us because we are standing up to Pioneer.”

“This is a big company. They made a lot of money off us,” added striker Rogelio Ramirez.

“One reason we went on strike was we had enough of this company trying to keep us down,” said mill worker Johnny Davila who, together with his wife Alice, joined the pickets in the evening. “We are now looking more to how workers at other companies are also getting no respect. We want to be more informed.”

University of Texas-Pan American student Freddy Gonzalez told the Militant that he and three others from the Edinburg, Texas, campus visited the picket line to bring solidarity to the strikers Nov. 30.

“It was my first visit to a strike picket line,” he said. “The flour workers told us they have been on strike for over a year and a half. They are so confident, so strong. We will make sure we tell people on campus and throughout the Rio Grande Valley to support their strike.”

The Teamsters have set up a General Assistance Fund to aid the strikers. Checks can be sent to Teamsters Local 657, 8214 Roughrider Dr., San Antonio, TX 78239.
 
 
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