JUDGE FINDS MOPAC WORKERS UNJUSTLY FIRED – Meat Processing Workers Find Justice Long Over Due

Philadelphia, PA, May 27, 2008- Judge George Aleman finds that five workers who lead a work stoppage after not receiving the expected Christmas bonus were acting within their rights.

On December 15, 2006, workers at the Moyer Rendering Plant in Souderton, PA were angered to find out that their employer was not going to give out the traditional Christmas bonuses.

“Every year they gave us bonuses. We really looked forward to it to get through the holidays and maybe have something extra under the tree for the kids, “ says Maria Garcia, one of the five workers that was involved in the work stoppage that was fired.

“We did not refuse to go back to work to get bonuses. The workers united to get some answers.” States Maximo Franklin another worker dismissed shortly after the brief strike.

After the work stoppage which last approximately 90 minutes before it was broken up by Souderton, PA police the five most outspoken workers were terminated.

It was then that the worker advocacy organization Jobs with Justice got involved. “It was clear to us that these workers were fired because they were leaders among their coworkers. They were encouraging collective action. A company can deal with angry workers, organized workers is what they fear.” Says Fabricio Rodriguez, Executive Director of Jobs with Justice.

Robert Curley of O’Donoghue & O’Donoghue LLP filed labor relations charges on behalf of Jobs with Justice in April 2007.

The Judge Aleman found that all reasons given for the terminations were “…nothing but pretext.”

All five workers, Geovanny Guzman, Maria Garcia, Jensy Olivio – Munoz, Maximo Franklin Mercado Peralta and Armando Ortiz de Jesus have since found new jobs. Now they will consider if they want return to their old jobs at the rendering plant.

Whether they return or not, all five workers look forward to receiving back wages. Moyer Packing is likely to appeal the decision.

Decision excerpts below