The IAM joins the AFL-CIO in a nationwide boycott of Palermo’s Pizza due the frozen pizza manufacturer’s blatant disregard of its workers’ choice to form a union.
Palermo workers have been on strike in Milwaukee since June 1, 2012, in protest of unfair labor practices. Many workers face serious health hazards, have no sick days and make little more than the minimum wage. When workers requested Palermo’s recognize their union and bargain with them over their serious workplace problems, the company fired more than 75 people.
The nationwide boycott is part of the continued support for the efforts of the Palermo Workers Union by the United Steelworkers and the AFL-CIO, community and immigrant rights groups like Voces de la Frontera and students from the United States Student Association, the nation’s largest and oldest student-led organization.
“The twelve million union families of the AFL-CIO are proud to stand with these Wisconsin workers who have bravely joined together for a voice on the job,” said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. “Their courage and strength are a model for working people around the country whose rights are being violated and voices silenced. We hope that this boycott will encourage Palermo to finally respect its workers who work so hard for them every day.”
“Everyone—workers, consumers and the community—have a reason to be very concerned about Palermo’s actions,” said Palermo worker Raul De la Torres. “It’s shameful the company still refuses to recognize the workers’ concerns or hear the voices of the community.”
Boycotted items include Palermo’s brand pizza, “Classics” brand pizza and private-label brand frozen pizza produced by Palermo’s, including Costco’s Kirkland brand.