Sunday, November 18, 2007
Posted on www.unbossed.com
Smithfield Foods is attempting to use the courts to intimidate and silence those who are publicizing dangerous and otherwise unpleasant conditions at Smithfield's packing plant.
On October 17, Smithfield filed a racketeering lawsuit against a union and community groups that are trying to organize workers at Smithfield's plant in Tar Heel, North Carolina. Among the activities that Smithfield alleges are criminal: publishing a report, passing resolutions, and speaking to the press.
Two of the defendants are the United Food and Commercial Workers' Union (UFCW) and Jobs With Justice (JWJ). The lawsuit is described here.
Alleged Illegal Actions: Publishing, Passing Resolutions, Speaking to the Press
Smithfield's court complaint uses the word "extort" 73 times. What Smithfield is really complaining about is that it is feeling pressure to treat its workers better and recognize the union.
Click on the link below to read the full complaint.
http://www.unbossed.com/index.php?itemid=1848