Justice for Smithfield

Submitted by John Autry on Wed, 06/27/2007 - 9:36pm.

That is why I stood with workers from the Smithfield packing plant on June 16th as they tried to draw attention to their struggle.  We marched from the Harris Teeter in south Charlotte to the home of Harris Teeter's CEO to deliver a Father's Day card from the children of Smithfield workers.  The workers want Harris Teeter to stop carrying Smithfield products.

It has been some time since I felt so gratified to be with a group of people.  The stories I heard made me wonder if we were really in 2007.  A man who came down with colon cancer was terminated and lost his health coverage.  Undocumented workers who attempt to participate in organizing are visited by INS.  Workers being injured from working in close proximity with sharp instruments.

Photo Gallery: Smithfield Workers seek Justice

This Saturday Paula Deen will be in Charlotte at Ovens Auditorium demonstrating her southern style of cooking.  Ms. Deen is a paid spokesperson for Smithfield.  The Smithfield workers along with supportive clergy have asked Ms. Deen to not participate with Smithfield and to stop promoting Smithfield products in her presentations.  I will be outside with workers from the Tar Heel plant and members of the UCFW.  I would urge others to join me and the wonderful people who work for Smithfield in helping to raise the awareness of their struggle for justice in the work place.

www.smithfieldjustice.com

Thank you
John Autry

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