Volume 1., Issue 235

Tuesday: Protest Unlawful Firings at Michoacana Ice Cream

In mid-May, the management at Palateria La Michoacana ice cream summarily fired 33 long-time delivery drivers, merchandisers, office workers and warehousemen at the Gardena and Modesto facilities, despite the fact that the boss, Ignacio Gutierrez, told employees earlier this year that his company is growing and profitable. The terminations targeted pro-union workers and occurred just days before the workers were scheduled to vote on union representation with the Teamsters.

Show your support for the fired Michoacana workers by joining the rally on Tuesday, June 26th at Michoacana's Modesto facility (2068 Lapham Drive). The rally begins at 2pm, and all are invited to come early for a cookout at 12:30pm. In addition to union members and supporters, Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers and Jose Hernandez, the former astronaut and winner of the Democratic primary for US Congress, will be also be in attendance.

Learn more.
 

Wednesday: Rally for the American Dream with AT&T Workers

Workers at AT&T have been fighting for a fair contract for nearly four months, but like many corporations, AT&T is trying to slash benefits and wages and lower the standard of living for over 40,000 middle class families.

Join AT&T workers and their union, CWA, as they rally to fight for the American Dream, which means good jobs, home ownership, access to a quality education and a secure retirement. The rally will take place on Wednesday, June 27 at 4pm at the State Capitol North Steps (11th and L Streets) in Sacramento.

Learn more.
 

Take Action for Transparency in Trans-Pacific Trade Agreement Negotiations

The Trans-Pacific Partnership Free Trade Agreement is poised to become the largest Free Trade Agreement ever, but negotiations are being held behind closed doors, and the only people who truly know what’s in the agreement are the U.S. Trade Representative and the 600 corporate lobbyists who get to weigh in on negotiations, while the public is left in the dark. Despite having received over 40,000 petition signatures urging transparency in the trade agreement negotiations, the U.S. Trade Representative is refusing to tell Americans what he's been proposing in our names.

Now is the time to take action to stop backroom deals for corporations and their lobbyists by sending a message to Congress today. And if you’re in the San Diego area, come out and protest the TPP negotiations on Monday, July 2nd at noon at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront (One Park Blvd).

Send a message to Congress.

Learn more and RSVP for the TPP protest in San Diego.

 

Join the 10,000-Person March to Combat Walmart in LA

Walmart’s plan to open a new store in Chinatown has been met with strong resistance from the local community, based on numerous studies that show that when Walmart moves into a neighborhood, small businesses end up closing, working conditions degrade and wages drop for the entire community.

Join Wal-Mart store and warehouse workers, Chinatown residents, small business owners, community and faith leaders, and students next Saturday, June 30th, for what is shaping up to be the largest anti-Wal-Mart demonstration ever held in the U.S. The march will kick off at 10am at the Los Angeles Historic State Park (1245 N. Spring St).

Learn more and RSVP.
 

This Week on “Labor’s Edge”

AFL-CIO’s Mike Hall shared the news that President Obama will halt deportations of young immigrants who would be eligible for residency under the DREAM Act.

RNs Ken Deitz and Barbara Blake of UNAC/UHCP announced their contract victory for 1,500 Kaiser nurses and health care professionals in southern California.

Frying Pan editor Steven Mikulan exposed a Walmart consultant’s scheme to lie, infiltrate and spy on workers who are taking a stand against the greedy retail giant.

Child care provider and AFSCME member Elsa Serrano detailed the pain and consequences of budget cuts to vital child care programs.   

Arthur Delaney of the Huffington Post reported on a new study that found 90% of “job killer” mentions in media reports are unsubstantiated.

UDW/AFSCME’s Laura Reyes recapped the massive IHSS rally at the Capitol that resulted in dozens of arrests.

David White of the Teamsters called for action against management at La Michoacana ice cream for firing 33 pro-union workers days before their union election.

We shared highlights from IBEW local 11’s large-scale food collection drive as part of the Letter Carriers' “Stamp Out Hunger” campaign.

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