Melrose Park, Il., February 13th, 2003 — Joined
by a number of community leaders, a delegation of Azteca workers paid an
unannounced visit today to the corporate headquarters of Jewel Stores in
Melrose Park, IL. Jewel is one of Chicago's largest grocery chains.
Meeting with Jewel-Osco's Director of Public Affairs, Lauri
M. Sanders, the Azteca workers delegation presented its demand that the
chain pull all Azteca Foods products from its shelves in support of the
national boycott until the strike comes to an end.
The delegation included representatives from the Community
Renewal Society, South Austin Coalition Community Council, Southwest
Youth Collaborative, Chicago Jobs with Justice, Illinois
Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights and United Foods and
Commercial Workers Local 881.
RESPONSE PROMISED
'NEXT WEEK'
Josefina Bonilla, representing the 63 strikers, commented
that it was great to meet with Sanders along with the entire community
delegation. "Ms. Sanders promised to get back in touch with us next
week. We have been waiting to hear from the President of the Midwest Region
of Jewel Stores, Peter Van Helden but he has failed to return our phone
calls or respond to our letters asking for a meeting to discuss the
strike."
Jewel Stores management has, so far, refused to respond to
numerous requests by Azteca workers for a meeting to explain the strike
situation.
Late last month, the Hyde Park Food Co-op voted to support
the consumer boycott of Azteca.
The community leaders who were present hope that this is the
start of a nationwide movement by grocers to support the consumer boycott of
Azteca products.
YOUR HELP
WOULD BE APPRECIATED!
Help organize a delegation to an area grocery store that
carries Azteca products and help the strikers spread the message of the
Azteca Foods boycott nationwide. It's the best way to let the company know
of your support and solidarity with the strikers at Azteca.
