Las Vegas, NV
(Submitted by International Brotherhood of Teamsters)
WHEREAS, after more than two years on strike, 750 workers have achieved justice, a fair contract and have returned to work at Basic Vegetable Products/ConAgra in King City California; and
WHEREAS, the strike was forced on the predominantly Latino workforce by management which demanded a wage freeze, the right to subcontract work, and to change half of the workforce from full- to part-time employment; and
WHEREAS, Basic Vegetable Products/ConAgra sought to replace its union workers with permanent replacements; and
WHEREAS, rallying to the cry of "Si Se Puede!," the workers held out against intimidation and remained strong and united until victory could be achieved; and
WHEREAS, union members conducted a weekly prayer vigil during the strike with the support of their community; and
WHEREAS, at the request of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the AFL-CIO in March 2001 convened a Council of ConAgra Unions to bring a coordinated message of support to tens of thousands of workers at dozens of ConAgra facilities throughout the country; and
WHEREAS, the faith, endurance and solidarity of the Basic Vegetable Products/ConAgra workers, their families and their community are an inspiration to workers everywhere;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Executive Council of the AFL-CIO and all affiliates recognize the extraordinary strength and determination of the union brothers and sisters at Basic Vegetable Products/ConAgra; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Executive Council of the AFL-CIO and all affiliates extend their warmest fraternal congratulations to the members and officer of Teamsters Local 890 and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters for their courageous and successful struggle at Basic Vegetable Products/ConAgra.