There are now 6 fruit packing houses on strike in Yakima and Selah. Workers at Matson Fruit in Selah walked out Friday AM. Safe working conditions in the crowded packing sheds is the immediate concern, but other safety and wage issues are ever-present. The son of the owner at Hansen reputedly referred to the strikers as ‘animals’. Strikes are now on at both Monson and Matson fruit companies in Selah, Allan Bros in Naches, and Columbia Reach, Hansen and Jack Frost in Yakima.
The best immediate source for information is the Familias Unidas por la Justicia union’s Facebook page. IWW social media is trying to keep up. We want to have some ‘boots on the ground’, and hope to have people there within the next few days- unless the owners cave.
It has been 8 Days since Allan Bros workers went on strike and began this movement in the Yakima Valley.
Yesterday representatives from all 6 packing houses supported each others’ strikes by standing on the picket line in each others workplace. There was a moment of tension in the morning when someone threatened the workers with violence, luckily nothing happened.
It should also be said that the majority of the leadership and people on strike are women. Many elders are also on strike and fighting alongside younger workers. the company.STay tuned for updates here, or on the Whatcom-Skagit IWW facebook page, or at Familias Unidas por la Justicia. To donate much needed cash to purchase food and supplies for the strikers and their families, go to https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=fBBm3Nh_bb8y9maWD_nF8n75Jgo2LssD72A0_5wM7pGgkj-W4pbVxq-qEI7RGHJSlKv5RW&country.x=US&locale.x=US
Solidarity Forever!
The Wobblies of the Whatcom-Skagit General Membership Branch, IWW.
Industrial Workers of the World Whatcom-Skagit Branch 