Ice Cream Workers Fired Before Contract Vote

In mid-May, the management at Paleteria La Michoacana ice cream fired 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 employee terminations occurred nearly on the eve of the scheduled Teamster representation election date.

Rick Middleton, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 572 in Carson:

“The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) is under attack. This means Americans are under attack. This employer is blatantly showing a disregard for our laws. We are a country of laws – we respect our laws. No man, no company is above the law.”

The union has since filed charges against the company with the NLRA.

Join Teamsters and labor union supporters at our rally on Tuesday, June 26th in Modesto to protest the unlawful firing of workers at Michoacana. The rally will be held at Michoacana’sModesto facility (2068 Lapham Drive, Modesto, CA 95354). 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 on hand to show their support.

Please plan to attend! The rally begins at 2 p.m., but come by 12:30 p.m. to enjoy our cookout! For more information, check out our flyer or call (209) 526-2755.

David White is is communications coordinator with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. His post first appeared on Labor’s Edge.