Thread: Union files complaint on behalf of workers

Union files complaint on behalf of workers


Maria St. Louis-Sanchez, (Bio) msanchez@greeleytribune.com
December 14, 2006


The union representing workers at Swift & Co. in Greeley went to court Wednesday to try to force the federal government to release the identities and whereabouts of 261 employees who were arrested Tuesday.

"We don't know where they are and we don't know what's happening," said John Bowen, attorney for United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7, which represents Swift employees. "We don't know if they are being pressured to do something or not. We can't provide them or their families with information until we know where they are."

On Wednesday morning, the union filed a complaint to be served on the Department of Homeland Security and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency. It contends that the federal government violated, and continues to violate, workers' rights. The government has until Monday to respond.

Workers have not been able to communicate with anyone and have not been able to talk to lawyers or union representatives, Bowen said.

At a press conference Wednesday morning, federal officials said the raid happened because Swift employees have been tied to identity theft. A release by U.S. Customs and Enforcement said that 1,282 workers were arrested and of them, 65 also have been charged with criminal violations related to identity theft or other violations.

Union President Ernest Duran Jr. said the raid was too far-reaching if it only meant to stop identify theft.

"It's terrible to terrorize 1,300 workers," he said. "The federal government has violated worker rights and the corporation's rights."

Work at the plant continued Wednesday but had downshifted because so many workers were absent, said Fernando Rodriquez, the local director for the Greeley union.

"It's hard for the workers; we've got to stick together," he said.

People seem to be moving quickly to try to fill the vacant positions left by the detained employees. Several people showed up Wednesday at Employment Services of Weld County's workforce center to apply for Swift positions. For a few weeks, the company has been advertising $1,500 signing bonuses for new workers.

http://www.greeleytrib.com/article/2006 ... /112140094

This union is making fools of themselves. It is so obvious they are more concerned about possible future dues members. Duh! It's the money as usual. I never thought I'd see the day where unions would back illegal workers.
It's getting so that I hardly recognize my country anymore.

Union President Ernest Duran Jr. said the raid was too far-reaching if it only meant to stop identify theft.

"It's terrible to terrorize 1,300 workers," he said. "The federal government has violated worker rights and the corporation's rights."

Terrorize workers? Too far reaching if it only meant to stop identity theft? What a crock, how about this guy let some illegal use his identity if he feels it's OK to steal someone's ID to get work? No illegal worker has the right to steal someone's identity to get a job. If they're legal they have nothing to fear. If they are illegal, then they should be be afraid, especially if they are breaking the law by using stolen identities. How about the people whose ID's were stolen, what about their rights, the right to not have their lives adversely affected by lawbreaking criminals using their identities? As far as the right of a corporation to break the law, drive down wages and deny legal American workers of benefits, overtime and a decent wage, this criminal supporting union can go to you-know-where. All they care about is building up their membership and gaining power. Don't they care about the real, legal Americans workers who they are supposed to represent?

Union President Ernest Duran Jr. said the raid was too far-reaching if it only meant to stop identify theft.

What's your point Mr. Union President? Doesn't this country have the right to enforce its immigration laws? We don't need identity theft as an excuse to apprehend and deport illegal immigrants.

Jean wrote:

This union is making fools of themselves. It is so obvious they are more concerned about possible future dues members. Duh! It's the money as usual. I never thought I'd see the day where unions would back illegal workers.
It's getting so that I hardly recognize my country anymore.

Exactly my thoughts!!!Money seems to motivate all these guys to engage in stupid/outrageous behavor.