Press release from laid off Ideal Snacks employees

Posted 9/30/09

This is a press release from the Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation AFL-CIO.

Workers and allies will rally on Monday May 18th in support of the hundreds of workers who were recently …

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Press release from laid off Ideal Snacks employees

Posted

This is a press release from the Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation AFL-CIO.

Workers and allies will rally on Monday May 18th in support of the hundreds of workers who were recently laid-off without notice by Ideal Snacks.

Ideal Snacks laid-off approximately 200 employees with no prior warning during the first week of May. The workers, some of whom had been employed by the company for over 10 years, now find themselves unexpectedly without work.

Ideal Snacks is the biggest employer in Liberty and has received millions of dollars in tax incentives from the county.

Former employees have now come forward with allegations of widespread abuses on the job, including sexual harassment, racial discrimination and unsafe working conditions. Many said they had kept quiet before because they did not want to lose their jobs. One former worker said, "They've already fired us, so what more is there to fear?"

In response to the lay-offs, the workers have begun to organize a response with the support of the Rural & Migrant Ministry, the Worker Justice Center of NY and concerned community members. A march is planned for Monday May 18th, starting from Lapolt Park on North Main Street at 4:30 pm. Workers hope to improve conditions for those who continue to work at Ideal Snacks by calling for an end to what workers describe as discriminatory treatment and harassment and for improved health and safety conditions. They are also calling for severance pay and to be paid for their accrued vacation pay.

County Legislator Cora Edwards, supports the workers' struggle and implores the company to act as a good corporate citizen. She further remarked, "Ideal Snacks should take responsibility for [their]corporate actions. Ideal Snacks has enjoyed tremendous corporate welfare tax abatement and profits through the Sullivan County Industrial Development Agency over the last ten years. But who is paying the price? The employees of Ideal Snacks and Sullivan County taxpayers are paying the ultimate price."

Those wishing to support the former employees of Ideal Snacks may join the workers for the march on Monday, May 18. The march will depart from Lapolt Park at 4:30pm.

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