Written in 2008 by FLOC Founder President Baldemar Velasquez This coming Sunday I will move into a labor camp in the most difficult time of the year. North Carolina leads the nation in heat stroke deaths, many of the past cases happen in July and August when men are not only battling the heat but …
More that 150 people came together in September to combat harsh immigration enforcement measures. The group included a score of law enforcement, elected officials, and organizations ranging from ACLU to the Lucas County Democratic Party. A short video of emotional testimonies (above) highlighted stories of families torn apart by deportation discusses the psychological impact on …
For over 10 years FLOC and its partner the CMWJ have organized a Mobile Health Clinic to serve migrant farmworkers in NW Ohio who otherwise have no access to healthcare. The Clinic is made possible through a partnership with St. Charles Hospital who donates the use of the mobile unit, and a generous and energetic …
Nearly 400 FLOC members gathered in Durham, NC for FLOC’s 12th Constitutional Convention to guide their union’s work and speak out about the issues they are facing.
Kangaroo customers throughout North Carolina and South Carolina have been visiting their local Kangaroo stores to voice their concern over working conditions in NC tobacco fields, and to call on Kangaroo to meet with concerned consumers and then convey their concerns to Reynolds. Consumers have been delivering letters to the store managers, asking them to …
(From Chris Stella, FLOC Organizing Intern) On September 26th, 2013, a contingent of community activists gathered in front of the Kangaroo Express on Green Valley Road in Greensboro, NC. Supportive motorists honked as they drove by. Groups represented were UNCG NC Student Power Union, Greensboro ISO, Greensboro IWW, NCAE and Organize 20/20. A letter was …
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On Saturday August 17, FLOC hosted AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Schuler for a Camp Solidarity visit. Accompanying her were five organizers from the United Steel Workers, representatives from the NC AFL-CIO, President of Farmworker Justice Bruce Goldstein, and several other FLOC supporters and allies. Mr. Goldstein and FLOC attorney Bob Willis, who have played an integral …
Read more “AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer Shuler Visits NC Tobacco Fields”
In July, 2013, Bill Moyers sat down with President Velasquez to talk about FLOC’s strategy to organize tobacco farmworkers in the South, and how large tobacco companies can play a role in protecting labor rights for farmworkers in their supply chain. Now you can watch the full episode online! Click below to watch the video. …
Read more “FLOC President Baldemar Velasquez featured on Bill Moyers Show”
On Saturday, June 8, 2013 FLOC hosted Camp Solidarity for delegates from various organizations and unions in North Carolina, including the N.C. AFL-CIO, A. Philip Randolph Institute, Alliance for Retired Americans, Amalgamated Transit Union, the Triangle CLC and International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. These organizations have been strong FLOC allies in years past, …
Read more “Labor Allies Pledge Support to NC Tobacco Farmworkers”
FLOC and allies March on Reynolds Shareholders Meeting and Demand the Company do More Than Talk Farmworkers and their supporters turned out in full force on May 9 at the Reynolds American 2013 Shareholders Meeting. At one of the largest and most energetic events since the beginning of the campaign, over 300 people including labor, clergy, students, …