The UFCW hosted an IUF meeting in Pittsburgh, Penn., bringing together union representatives and members that represent Heinz workers from around the world, including those from UFCW International, UFCW Canada, UFCW locals 17a, 75, and 431, and the RWDSU. The delegation joined together to make plans to work in solidarity on a global effort to protect all union Heinz workers and their jobs as Heinz seeks to reduce costs and increase profits at the expense of workers through wage cuts, layoffs, and plant closures.
Despite earning profits, Heinz has decreased their workforce by almost 25 percent in the past ten years, mostly through plant closures and layoffs. The corporate trend of reducing operational costs at the expense of workers continued when 3G Capital and Berkshire Hathaway purchased Heinz last year. Heinz recently closed the plant in Leamington, Canada, leaving nearly 800 full-time employees and members of UFCW Local 459 out of work.
The delegation will continue to work together and campaign to protect workers and their jobs at Heinz. 