Christmas came early for 3920 workers at Smithfield Ham in Tar Heel North Carolina.  After years of fighting the Grinch and Scrooge the workers were finally able to get and win an union vote. See the story below.  But don't let anyone tell you that this is a good example of how secret ballot representation elections are supossed to work.  These workers stormed the gates of hell to get Smithfield to finally quit intervening in the eletion process.  If any thing the story of Tar Heel is the story for why we needs labor law reform and the employeee free choice act.  After all what we know now is that the union won an election it could be a long time untill they get a contract.

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December 11, 2008

North Carolina, chose union representation with the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW).  Workers voted 2041 to 1879 for a voice on the job.

 “When workers have a fair process, they choose a voice on the job,” said UFCW Director of Organizing Pat O’Neill. “This is a great victory for the Tar Heel workers. I know they are looking forward to sitting down at the bargaining table with Smithfield to negotiate a contract. The UFCW has constructive union contracts with Smithfield

 Ronnie Ann Simmons, a veteran of 13 years at the plant said, “We are thrilled. This moment has been a long time coming. We stuck together, and now we have a say on the job.”    

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 The UFCW represents more than 1.3 million members in the U.S. and Canada