2018 Cargill strike facts for kids

The 2018 Cargill strike was a protest by workers at a Cargill chicken factory in Dayton, Virginia, United States. These workers wanted better treatment and working conditions from the company.

Why Workers Organized

Workers at the Cargill plant started thinking about forming a union in late 2017. They reported not being treated well and having difficult working conditions. Some workers even said the company would "get rid of" employees and not give them proper health care.

In November 2017, a group called Community Solidarity with Poultry Workers formed. This group wanted to support the workers who felt they were being treated unfairly at Cargill.

Company's Response to Union Efforts

In February 2018, it was reported that activists and union organizers had accused Cargill of treating employees unfairly for trying to form a union. The organizers claimed that Cargill had punished four union supporters. They said the company ended their jobs, stopped them from working extra hours, gave them less desirable tasks, or reduced their work time. This was supposedly because of their union activities.

Protests and Arrests

To support the workers who had lost their jobs, people in Dayton organized several protests in the spring of 2018. They wanted to make more people aware of the workers' issues and their efforts to form a union.

The protests began outside the factory. Later, union leaders asked to meet with the factory's managers, and the protests moved closer to the parking lot. The Dayton Police Department was called and arrested nine protesters for being on private property without permission.

What Happened Next

Police Involvement

The Dayton Police Department responded to the protests. They arrested nine people who were protesting on private property.

Cargill's View

Cargill stated that the protesters and organized workers did not have a meeting scheduled with the factory's leaders. The company also said they did not fire three employees for trying to form a union.

Cargill explained that there was "misinformation" about the events. They said they do not fire anyone for their union beliefs or for joining a union. Cargill stated they follow laws that respect workers' rights to join a union and negotiate together. They also mentioned that many unions already represent Cargill employees at other locations.

Regarding the arrests, Cargill said they support the right to protest, but it must be done legally. They suggested that any questions about the arrests should be directed to the police department. Cargill also confirmed that no meeting with management had been scheduled with the protest organizers.