Over 100 strawberry worker supporters protest abuses at Driscoll’s Salinas cooler
For Release:
July 24, 1997
2 p.m. Thurs. in Salinas
Strawberry worker supporters at protest over abuses at Driscoll-controlled fields
Area political, labor and religious leaders will join other strawberry worker supporters in a Thursday demonstration in Salinas against an array of injustices endured by berry pickers who work in fields controlled by Driscoll growers.
Growers for Driscoll have been accused of sexual discrimination, failing to properly notify workers about being exposed to a cancer causing pesticide and failing to properly pay workers for overtime. Driscoll growers face charges of illegally firing, intimidating and harassing United Farm Workers supporters.
WHO: Community leaders, including Salinas Mayor Pro Temp Fernando Armenta; Rev. Art Mills of Stone Church of Willow Glen (Presbyterian) in San Jose; Joyce Vanderveer from the Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom; and Friz Conley from Teamsters Union Local 890; UFW National Vice President Lupe Martinez.
WHAT: Demonstration against abuses of strawberry workers by Driscoll growers.
WHEN: 2 p.m., Thursday, July 24, 1997.
WHERE: Outside the Driscoll facility at 930 E. Blanco Rd. (cross St.: John St..), Salinas.
Watsonville-based Driscoll controls fields employing about 5,000 workers, or 25 percent of California’s strawberry pickers.
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