Union Campaigns

Poverty wages, brutal conditions, crippling injuries—this is what 5,500 workers in Tar Heel, North Carolina face this every day at the world's largest hog processing plant. Cited by Human Rights Watch for violating international human rights standards, Smithfield Packing has created an environment of intimidation, racial tension, and sometimes violence for workers who want a voice on the job.

The company, which at one time created its own private police force, was found liable by the National Labor Relations Board and the DC Court of Appeals of assaulting, intimidating, and illegally firing its workers. In a separate case, the National Labor Relations Board ruled that Smithfield illegally threatened workers with arrest by Federal Immigration officials.

Our International Union, the UFCW, is taking the lead to help the Smithfield workers create a better life for themselves and families. This national campaign is taking the plight of these workers to the street. Through various actions, workers, community groups, politicians, and labor leaders are shining the light on the horrible working conditions at Smithfield. To learn more about this national campaign and to get involved, please go to www. smithfieldjustice.org or contact Agueda Arias at the Union hall to become more active in the campaign.