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Farmworker Union Calls On Eugene To Boycott Driscoll's Berries

Desmond O'Boyle

Farmworker Union members stopped in Eugene last weekend as part of a west coast protest of the major berry production company Driscoll's.

Sound: Chanting.

About 20 activists and members of a Washington union, "Familias United for Justice" picketed at Costco Sunday.

Ramon Torres is Union President.

Torres: "So these 12-year old workers are waking up at 5:30 in the morning to pick berries in the mud and the rain with no lunch and no breaks. And they are picking fruits and vegetables so that you can eat. So these children deserve an opportunity, the kind of opportunity in which they are able to choose what they want to do for themselves."

[translation provided by Jose Chalit]

Credit Desmond O'Boyle
Translator Jose Chalit (left) and Familias United For Justice Union President Ramon Torres (right)

Torres wants the U.S. government to pressure Driscoll's to change labor practices and raise wages. The month-long tour is part of an effort to expand the strength of the boycott so they can win a union contract this summer. Familas United for Justice is joined by unionized workers in San Quintin, Mexico. Costco management was not available for comment Sunday.

copyright, 2016 KLCC

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