Dock workers dump pineapples in protest

[n2doc]

By Jane M. Von Bergen
INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
In a Labor Day demonstration, Philadelphia union dock workers dumped cases of Del Monte pineapples into the Delaware River today to protest Del Monte's decision to switch its banana shipping business to a different port.

The International Longshoremen's Association Local 1291 will lose 200 to 300 jobs - 400,000 labor hours a year - when Del Monte Fresh Produce Co. shifts 75 ships and a half million tons of banana cargo from Camden to the privately-owned Gloucester Terminals L.L.C., which pays workers less.

The protest, at Penn's Landing, came as Philadelphia's labor community was heading to the site for its yearly picnic, following the annual parade along Columbus Boulevard.

The ILA union says the Gloucester workers are paid below industry standards - between $12 and $17 an hour, some with no benefits.



Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/business/homepage/20100906_Dock_workers_dump_pineapples_in_protest.html

[AndyA]

1. The Philadelphia Pineapple Party of 2010?

I guess Del Monte goes on the boycott list.

Del Monte, meet Dr. Pepper, Brawny Paper Towels, and Target Stores. They're all recent additions to the list as well. :eyes:

[Omaha Steve]

2. K&R!