Chicago, Il., February 27th, 2003 — Striking Azteca Workers are guardedly hoping for
progress in their nearly nine month struggle to win a first contract at Azteca Foods in Chicago.
Almost two weeks ago, Azteca Foods
owner and CEO Art Velasquez announced that the company would accept the help of federal mediation in efforts to resolve the dispute. On
Wednesday, March 5th, the two sides will meet for the first time with the help of a mediator from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
(FMCS).
The members
of UE Local 1159 continue to emphasize that they simply want a fair contract without takeaways.
WORKERS REMAIN
UNITED FOR JUSTICE
Sixty-three Azteca workers have been on the picket line since last September 30th in a strike
stemming from events last summer.
Negotiations for a first contract began in May, 2002. Azteca workers voted for UE representation by a vote of almost 3 to 1 in an NLRB
election held on April 12, 2002, nearly a year ago.
While hopeful that Azteca is serious about making progress in mediation, Azteca workers also understand that there is
nothing binding about mediation. They remain unified, with a picket line that is solid and backed by widespread community support.
