RICHMOND, Calif. — Workers picketed outside the Safeway bread plant here Oct. 5, protesting company abuse and refusal to grant union demands. The workers, members of Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Local 125, have been working under an expired contract for over a year.
“They are offering pennies for raises. We need money that folds,” Jerrod Bush, a worker with 23 years at the company, told the Militant. He said the workers, who make bread sold in Safeway stores, are especially angry that the company refuses to raise their wages to match the pay workers get doing the same jobs at a sister plant in Los Angeles.
Work schedules are also a big issue. “This year it’s worse than ever,” said Alejandro Cendejas, who has 30 years at the plant. “First, they laid off a bunch of workers and then called them back. Now many aren’t getting enough hours to maintain their families, while others with more seniority are forced to work overtime. All to save the company money!
“And if you don’t get sufficient hours, your medical coverage can be cut!”
“This is hard work. And it’s really hot in there,” added Javier Vega. “The way they treat us, you are only a number.”
The union decided to picket the plant on the same day the company organized a “Fall Festival” inside, with free food, open to workers and the community. Recognizing this as a bribe calculated to undercut their fight, workers spread the word to skip the event and picket instead.
On short notice, half of the 40 workers turned out for the picket. They could see that there was a low turnout for the affair. The pickets made sure their chants were loud enough for those there to hear.
“We’ve gotten out our message. The company knows we are united. That we are angry,” BCTGM International Representative Karrie Setters told pickets when they gathered at the end. “We can’t stop here. We have to continue the fight.”