SUPPORT FOR THE UNITED FARM WORKERS, AFL-CIO

WHEREAS, the United Farm Workers, AFL-CIO, have been struggling to organize the unorganized agricultural workers of California, Arizona, Texas, Florida and other states as brothers and sisters into the AFL-CIO, in order to uplift the working and living conditions and the human dignity of the farm workers and their families; and

WHEREAS, the UFW waged a valiant two-year strike and boycott against the Bruce Church Corporation, producers of non-union Red Coach iceberg lettuce; and

WHEREAS, the AFL-CIO, and the AFT and the great majority of national unions have supported that long strike and boycott; and

WHEREAS, the UFW have also organized the mushroom workers of the Steakmate Mushrooom Company, a subsidiary of the huge Agra Business Corp., which includes Ralston Purina Dog Cat Chow, Checker Brands, Chicken of the Sea tuna and Jack-in-the-Box fast foods, but have been unable to negotiate a contract that would give these farm workers and their families a living wage; and

WHEREAS, the substandard working conditions suffered by our brothers and sisters working for the Steakmate Mushroom Corp., include continuous long hours in dark, dank sheds, with dangerous conditions leading to many serious accidents:

RESOLVED, we reaffirm our AFT support of the UFW strike and boycott of non-union Red Coach iceberg lettuce; and

RESOLVED, we support the UFW efforts to gain a decent contract with the Steakmate Mushroom Co., of Northern California; and

RESOLVED, we stand ready to support the impending strike and boycott of Steakmate mushrooms and all other products of their parent corporation which includes: Ralston Purina Dog Cat Chow, Checker Brands, Chicken of the Sea tuna, and Jack-in-the-Box fast foods; and

RESOLVED, we urge our AFT locals and members to contribute to the UFW Strike Fund at P.0. Box 62, Keene, California 93531.