Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Swift Plant: Fired Muslim workers planning lawsuits

These workers were unhappy with the extent of accommodation of Muslim practices that they were offered by the Swift plant managers. They would, as per the absolutism of Sharia, accept no compromise. They would, as per the absolutism of Sharia, accept no compromise. So they walked off the job, and were fired. And now it's time for the courtroom jihad, where they will almost certainly prevail -- paving the way for further concessions to Sharia on the part of American businesses.

Swift Plant Stealth Jihad Update: "Fired workers unite," by David Young in the Greeley Tribune, September 14 (thanks to John):

An attorney for the United Food and Commercial Workers Union told fired JBS Swift & Co. workers he plans to make the company prove in every instance that the employees violated their union contract.

Attorney John Bowen, along with other state representatives -- including Jim Riesberg, D-Greeley -- spoke Saturday during a meeting at the Union Colony Civic Center and assured the Muslim workers, fired for not going to work because of a conflict about Ramadan accommodations, that they have rights.

"The company will argue that you engaged in a strike that violated the contract," Bowen said. "We will require them to prove for each of you that that happened."

Bowen told more than 100, mostly Somalis, that the company violated several provisions in its contract. JBS officials contend the Muslim workers violated the contracts.

In preparation for legal action, Bowen said the fired workers need to document how and when they were fired.

Bowen said he filed 90 employee grievances Friday, and he expects to file more Monday. He has also filed a grievance on behalf of the union.

"The situation you find yourself in is as workers is not unique, but it is a difficult one," Bowens said. "Your situation is complex."

It still unclear how many employees were fired, as union spokesman Manny Gonzales said he received different numbers from the list provided by JBS. A JBS official said on Wednesday about 100 workers were fired.

Riesberg promised the crowd he would do his part to ensure they are treated fairly.

"We need to spend a lot of time negotiating with Swift so you can have your jobs back," said Riesberg, who fielded questions from frustrated former employees.

Riesberg assured the Somalis that they are welcome in Greeley.....

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