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Michael Rice, president of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 538,
addresses the WEAC Representative Assembly. He is joined on stage by other
Local 538 members and leaders, as well as WEAC Vice President Terry Meyer
(left), WEAC president Stan Johnson (second from left), WEAC Secretary-Treasurer
Margaret Guertler (right), and WEAC Executive Director Michael A. Butera
(second from right).
Leaders of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 538 thanked WEAC leaders and members Saturday (May 3, 2002) for their support of union families during their ongoing strike against Tyson Foods in Jefferson.
WEAC President Stan Johnson paused proceedings during the 2003 Representative Assembly to introduce Michael Rice, president of UFCW Local 538, and other Local 538 members, emphasizing the importance of unions supporting each other in times of need.
Rice described the events that led to the walkout on February 28, and the impact it is having on families. He thanked the many WEAC leaders, members and staff who have joined them at rallies and on the picket lines and contributed money to help the families through this difficult ordeal.
Much more help is needed, he said.
Rice said Tyson Foods has refused to bargain in good faith and continues to make unreasonable demands that include a 23% wage cut, a four-year wage freeze, elimination of pensions, cuts in health care, reductions in vacations, and less sick leave. Local 538 is committed to keeping its members' wages and benefits intact.
To help the families during the strike, Local 538 has established an Adopt-a-Family program for people willing to contribute a specified amount per month, and a separate fund to help families meet expenses.
Checks can be made out to the UFCW Local 538 Strike Fund or to Tyson Adopt-a-Family and mailed to: UFCW Local 538, 2228 Myrtle St., Madison WI 53704.
More information is available on Local 538's Web site at www.tysonfamiliesstandup.org.
Resource page on 2003 WEAC Representative Assembly
Posted May 3, 2003