In 2012, FCWA launched International Food Workers Week (IFWW) to honor workers across the food chain and solicit public support for workers’ campaigns for better wages, working conditions, and protections.
Food workers are one of the largest working groups in the United States, and they are essential to our economy and general well-being. They are also some of the lowest paid and least protected. Food work is not easy, and often hazardous — read our new report on the 2024 Bi-National People’s Tribunal on the Struggles of Farmworkers in North America to learn more.
So this week, as you shop, cook, and enjoy meals with your loved ones, please keep food workers in mind. Here’s some timely FCWA member actions you can follow and support:
NSLU has called a strike!
For nearly two years, the independent New Seasons Labor Union has been bargaining for a fair contract with their “progressive” employer. But the company’s proposals continue to fall short. On Wednesday, November 27, workers at all eleven unionized New Seasons Market locations in WA and OR will engage in a one-day Unfair Labor Practice Strike. They’re also calling for a customer boycott this holiday season. Learn more at nslu.org/contract-now, and go to nslu.org/community to sign the pledge, donate, and join the mailing list.
Defend the NLRB
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) enforces labor law and protects workers’ right to organize. Corporations like SpaceX and Amazon are trying their best to see the NLRB gutted or dissolved entirely so they can continue exploiting workers. In June, President Biden nominated the current NLRB chair for a third term, but Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer hasn’t yet scheduled a confirmation vote. As part of the Athena Coalition, our members Warehouse Workers for Justice, Warehouse Worker Resource Center, and United for Respect are asking you to go to bit.ly/ProWorkerNLRB and tell Senator Schumer to schedule a floor vote now to maintain a pro-worker board through 2026.
Visit the C2C Solidarity Shop
When you purchase from the Solidarity Shop you are helping to spread Community to Community Development’s mission and vision of farmworker justice, food sovereignty, and eco-feminism. Shop for original artwork, upcycled clothing, secondhand jewelry, stickers and more! All proceeds go toward continuing the work.
Support Milk With Dignity
It’s been seven years since Ben & Jerry’s and Migrant Justice signed a historic agreement for the company to adopt Milk With Dignity, a landmark worker-driven social responsibility model. Since then, the program has brought unprecedented improvements to the living and working conditions of hundreds of farmworkers in Vermont and New York. But workers are still pushing hard in the ongoing fight to get Hannaford Markets to join the program. Learn more in the 2018-2024 Program Report and sign the Milk With Dignity Consumer Pledge to join us in asking Hannaford to adopt the program and ensure human rights in their dairy supply chain.
Support Immigrant Workers in NY
On December 4, Workers Center of Central NY is holding a call-in day for the NY For All Act that proponents are trying to pass before the inauguration to prevent law enforcement and state agencies from colluding with immigration officials. On the same day, WCCNY is hosting an art build to uplift dairy farm workers’ testimonies on conditions of employer-provided housing.
Donate to Worker Campaigns
The Laundry Workers Center is raising funds for their Leadership Institute and Cabricanceos Campaign with immigrant construction workers in NYC.
The Farmworker Association of Florida is raising funds to empower farmworker communities through agroecology and food sovereignty.
Food Chain Workers Alliance is replenishing our member funds to support work on Language Justice, Immigration Rapid Response, and Organizing & Capacity Building. We’re almost halfway toward our goal of raising another $10k by December 31!