Foodstuff Workers Industrial Union 460

All workers except agricultural and fishery workers, engaged in producing and processing food, beverages, and tobacco products.

BREAKING IWW NEWS - Gainesville IWW members file for Union Recognition at Ward's Supermarket

Posted Tue, 12/09/2008 - 2:43pm by x344543
PLEASE FORWARD WIDELY

As of 8am Tuesday morning, workers in the Natural Foods Dept. at Ward's Supermarket (located in Gainesville, FL) have filed a petition for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board.  This petition is a step forward in a months-long campaign of the Gainesville IWW.  The coming days will be challenging and we are counting on the full support of the community to win.  We will provide updates re: the campaign as they develop.

If you have any questions about the campaign, feel free to call us at 352-246-2240 or email gainesvilleiww [at] riseup.net.

Noted Italian Restaurant Group Drops Wild Edibles Over Workers' Rights Abuses

Posted Thu, 12/04/2008 - 7:36pm by x344543

For Immediate Release: Brandworkers International

Contact: press (at) brandworkers.org

Frank Restaurants Demonstrate Support for Sustainable and Humane Food System

Noted Italian Eateries in the East Village Stop Serving Wild Edibles Seafood Over Workers' Rights Concerns

New York, NY (11/24/08)- Three of the most popular Italian dining destinations in the East Village of Manhattan have stopped serving seafood from embattled wholesaler, Wild Edibles, Inc.  Workers at Wild Edibles have been campaigning for over a year to reclaim unlawfully withheld overtime pay and win respect on the job.  Frank, Lil' Frankie's, and Supper restaurants join over 45 leading NYC eateries that have decided not to serve Wild Edibles seafood until the workers' human rights are honored there.

"During tough economic times, it's more important than ever for employers to pay what they owe under the law," said Carlos Molina, a plaintiff in the class action overtime lawsuit against Wild Edibles.  "We are very pleased that the Frank restaurants have heard our call for justice."

Instead of accepting a reasonable resolution of workers' concerns, Wild Edibles and its owner Richard Martin have embarked on a relentless and at times bizarre campaign of retaliation and evasion.  Twelve workers have been fired or forced out of Wild Edibles for asserting their rights.  The company painted various false names on many of its trucks to avoid accountability to the workers.  The Labor Board filed a complaint against Wild Edibles for unlawfully inducing replacements workers with cash, food, and beverages to protest against employees engaged in protected organizing activity with the Industrial Workers of the World labor union.

Embattled Seafood Company Illegally Paid Anti-Union Protesters and Fired Another Union Supporter After Interrogation

Posted Thu, 10/23/2008 - 7:52pm by x344543
For Immediate Release:
Brandworkers International

Contact: press (at) brandworkers.org

October 23, 2008

Embattled Seafood Company Illegally Paid Anti-Union Protesters and Fired Another Union Supporter After Interrogation

New York, NY- The National Labor Relations Board has issued another complaint against Wild Edibles, Inc., a once well-regarded seafood wholesaler and retailer.  Based on an investigation triggered by charges from the Industrial Workers of the World, the federal labor agency has accused Wild Edibles of interrogating and firing employee Julio Carbonel for organizing with the IWW and of paying replacement workers in an attempt to disrupt a labor rally.

Seafood Firm's Complaint Charging RICO Breach In Labor Union Recognition Bid Is Dismissed

Posted Thu, 10/16/2008 - 7:52pm by x344543

Disclaimer - The opinions of the author do not necessarily match those of the IWW. This article is reposted in accordance to Fair Use guidelines.

Rev. Billy and Pastor Mansfield Visit New York City Wine & Food Festival to Protest Chef Terrance Brennan

Posted Mon, 10/13/2008 - 7:52pm by x344543
Contact: press (at) brandworkers.org

October 13, 2008

Rev. Billy and Pastor Mansfield Visit New York City Wine & Food Festival to Protest Chef Terrance Brennan

New Voices Add Support to the Campaign for Worker Dignity at Wild Edibles, Inc.

New York, NY- Reverend Billy, a nationally-respected advocate for responsible consumption and Pastor Jeff Mansfield, a leading voice for food justice at Judson Memorial Church, joined with Wild Edibles workers and their supporters this weekend to protest chef and restaurant owner Terrance Brennan at the New York City Wine & Food Festival.  Brennan's Artisanal Bistro lied in writing by stating that it was no longer serving seafood processed by the Wild Edibles sweatshop when it in fact did continue to serve Wild Edibles products.

"Mr. Brennan, honor your word," exclaimed Rev. Billy into a megaphone during a sidewalk sermon in front of the food festival panel featuring Terrance Brennan.  "[The Wild Edibles workers] don't want to work in a sweatshop.  Even celebrity chefs have to do the right thing."