News

After workers at the Huhtamaki plant in California presented management with a letter regarding two workplace concerns that they would like to address, the company reacted extremely by circulating an anti-union leaflet and prohibiting workers from discussing any cause or organisation during work time. Management also forced employees to attend mandatory meetings where they are forced to watch an anti-union video, and are prohibited from distributing any written materials on the premises.

Workers’ concerns about the extremely high temperatures inside the plant (up to 40 degrees celcius), and feel that the disciplinarian system in place is vague and harsh. In turn, management circulated their own letter, which provided misinformation about the United Steelworkers (USW), heavily implied that the union does not have the best interests of workers at heart and was to be distrusted.

Head of UNI Graphical and Packaging, Andy Snoddy, slammed the company saying “The workers in the Huhtamaki plant must be allowed to address their legitimate concerns with management. Their right to collective bargaining and freedom of association must be respected.”

“We fully support workers and the USW in their demands for a statement of no retaliation and a dialogue to address the issues presented by workers.”