Something else you can do to help the workers at Giumarra

[Omaha Steve]

https://secure.ufw.org/page/contribute/giumarra110

Giumarra Vineyards' workers have been waging a long-running battle to get their mega-company to stop disregarding the law. They want to be protected from abuses like sexual harassment. You can help these workers fight back.


As you know, last week, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) suit against Giumarra. The suit alleges that a teenage girl was repeatedly sexually harassed by a co-worker, who told her day after day, in graphic detail, what he wanted to do to her. He repeatedly touched her inappropriately. Finally, when he wouldn't stop, the girl reported the abuse to her supervisor. Instead of dealing with the situation, Giumarra fired this young girl. They also fired two of her relatives and a friend who stood up for her by complaining to management.

I wish I could say this was a rare instance of company disregard. It isn't. We've helped workers file numerous reports of dangerous working conditions with California's Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA). Among the charges, workers claimed the company even disregarded safety regulations about spraying pesticides near them in the fields--sometimes less than 60 feet away.


Of course, if you were to ask the public relations department of the world largest grape grower about its abuse of workers, they'll tell you it's just a few workers, and a couple of misunderstandings. They'll say they want their workers to be happy, safe, and healthy."We even offer our employees health insurance," they'll point out.

Don't believe a word of it. Giumarra's health insurance is just a public relations sham. Fifteen year employee Angelina Jimenez knows the truth: "The current medical plan is worthless. It barely covers a Tylenol. Often times the medical plan covers only 10% of the cost of a doctor's visit."


Sadly, Giumarra's stinginess worsened a tragedy for Jesus Pena. Jesus has worked at Giumarra for 37 years and is still at minimum wage--$8.00/hr. Jesus and his wife recently had a new baby. They thought their health insurance would cover the delivery charges, and certainly would cover the cost of any health problems the baby might have.

They were wrong. The insurance did not cover delivery, and when their baby developed lung problems, and specialists were called in, it did not cover that, either. Still, it's no surprise Jesus and his wife did everything they could for their baby boy. Unfortunately, their hopes were shattered. "The saddest part, is that at seven months of age, our baby died as a result of his illness. It has been two years since our baby's death and we continue to receive bills for his care."

Giumarra is an incredibly heartless employer. This is why it's so important that we stand with their workers and help them fight back against the company's abuse. Besides helping Giumarra's workers file charges to right wrongs against them, we are also helping the workers move towards union representation. Your donation can help us achieve these goals.

To make a donation go to: https://secure.ufw.org/page/contribute/giumarra110

To make a monthly gift go to: https://secure.ufw.org/page/contribute/Giumarra_110_md

Link to these actions here: https://secure.ufw.org/page/contribute/giumarra110

If you haven't signed the petition to Giumarra telling them to stop the sexual harassment and retaliation you can do so here.

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[Omaha Steve]

1. Kick