OAKDALE, Calif. — As part of their fight for a better contract, some 50 Sconza Chocolate factory workers rallied here June 27 backed by family members and other supporters. The rally was organized by their union, Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Local 125. Protesters stretched down a main street in this agricultural town east of Modesto. They were greeted with honks and waves from passersby.
Fellow BCTGM Local 125 members from Ghirardelli Chocolate in San Leandro joined them in solidarity, as did representatives from the North Valley Labor Federation.
Sconza bosses proposed a takeaway contract that raises medical insurance premiums 10%, eliminates overtime pay for weekend work, and proposes union members waive their right to sue the company for any violations of California labor laws.
“Sconza Chocolate is proposing changes that would make it harder for workers and their families to get ahead during these difficult times,” a union statement said. “These workers are standing together for respect and dignity.”
An online petition to win community support for the Sconza workers can be found at https://form.jotform.com/261715611578158.