IUF U.S. affiliates condemn criminalization of migrant workers

IUF U.S. affiliates have expressed outrage at the actions of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) which detained 146 workers in raids at a Fresh Mark pork processing plant in Salem, Ohio where workers are members of the RWDSU/UFCW. The migrant workers who risk prosecution and deportation are mostly from Guatemala, and have settled with their families in Ohio.

The raids were condemned by UFCW President Marc Perrone who called for an immediate change of policies which “are creating a climate of fear where workers across this country are too afraid to stand up for their rights, report wage theft, dangerous work conditions, and other workplace issues.”

Stuart Appelbaum, President of the RWDSU/UFCW declared a campaign of resistance: “Our union will not stand for violence against immigrants; we will not stand for tearing families apart and we will not stand for the terrifying tactics of the Trump Administration.”

In a declaration of solidarity, James Hoffa, Teamsters General President pledged his union would “speak up in support of hardworking union members and their right to a fair and secure workplace. The assault on workers must stop now.”

The immediate priority for the RWDSU, UFCW is to provide assistance to affected members and their families.