Miguel Cuevas, one of the Darigold Dozen says, “We have to stand up to these bullying actions; it’s clear they’re not only trying to punish us for standing up for ourselves, but wanting to send a message to dairy workers atother Darigold dairies this is what will happen to you if you stand up for your rights.”
PLEASE STAND in SOLIDARITY with Margarito Martinez, Armando Herrera, Elvis Flamenco, Cirilo Ramirez, Gildardo Perez, Jesus Perez, Teresita Anguiano, Saul Solorio, Rafael Muniz, Manuel Reynaga, Miguel Cuevas, and Miguel Espiritu. AND with Maria Miranda Gonzalez. AND with thousands more dairy workers.
MAKE THE CALL TODAY! And sign the workers’ petition to Darigold.
It is paramount that those with power know – FARM WORKERS WHO ARE BEING RETALIATED AGAINST ARE NOT ALONE! People of faith & conscience stand with them.
1. Call Costco CEO Craig Jelinek—-his Exec. Assistant is Mary Ann–direct line is 425-313-8301. Tell Mary Ann you would like to speak to Craig Jelinek. (Please be prepared to leave a message on voice mail. State your name and leave your message.)
Your Message:
My name is ________________. My message is that religious leaders, people of faith and conscience and consumers are concerned about the abuse of dairy workers at Darigold member dairies. I request that Costco tell Darigold to meet with the United Farm Workers to resolve these issues so that the abuses and the retaliation against workers for speaking up stop. Thank you.
2. Call Stan Ryan, CEO Darigold, 206-216-4283. (Please be prepared to leave a message on voice mail. State your name and leave your message.)
Your Message:
My name is ________________. My message is that religious leaders, people of faith and conscience and consumers are concerned about the abuse of dairy workers at Darigold member dairies. I support the UFW and dairy workers and their right to stand up against abuse and retaliation. I would like to know what Darigold is doing to end these abuses. And I urge Darigold to resolve the dispute with the dairy workers and the UFW and ensure the rights of dairy workers are upheld. Thank you.
Email Julie Taylor at jtaylor@nfwm.org & let us know how the call went.
BACKGROUND
Ruby Ridge Dairy
- While working at Ruby Ridge Dairy, one of the Darigold member dairies, 12 farm workers believed they weren’t paid all their wages, allowed to take lunch breaks, or the rest breaks mandated by state law. So they obtained a lawyer and filed suit. Their employer later fired them, then filed suit against them in retaliation.
- The lawsuit filed by Ruby Ridge alleges ridiculous claims that have not been substantiated by any evidence. The Ruby Ridge owners claimed that the Darigold Dozen (what they are calling themselves) intentionally damaged equipment and injured cows, among other absurd accusations.
- Once the lawsuit was filed, Ruby Ridge lawyers started inquiring about the legal status of the Darigold Dozen. These workers were required to appear before a combative attorney to be interrogated in depositions. In one case, one of these workers, Margarito Martinez had to travel by bus from Tijuana to Washington state, where the day before, he had buried his son.
More Darigold Member Dairies
- Maria Miranda Gonzalez, a worker at another Darigold member dairy, DeRuyter Brothers, brought a claim to the EEOC for sexual harassment and retaliation she suffered while working at the dairy. Maria won a settlement in her case. It shows how the rights of dairy workers are not being protected – for complaining about sexual harassment, Maria was terminated from her job. You can hear her tell her story during an interview with Northwest Public Broadcasting, “In #MeToo Era, A Yakima Valley Dairy Worker Finds Her Voice.”
- DeRuyter Brothers also paid a $600,000 settlement for wages owed to 300 workers for overtime and missed meal and break times.
- The Southbank Dairy, in Curtis, WA was also sued for depriving workers of their wages, and rest and meal breaks, as well as for failing to provide needed safety equipment and impeding access to workers compensation benefits.
And Coming Up ….FAST FOR JUSTICE
Thursday, September 20, 8:30 am – 5 pm, Press event at noon
The Fast of Reconciliation: Join UFW President Arturo Rodriguez and Darigold member dairy workers in a FAST at:
Darigold Headquarters
5601 6th Ave. South, Suite 300
Seattle, Washington 98108
The Fast will continue same time and place on
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Sept 21-24.
THANK YOU FOR STANDING WITH FARM WORKERS!
