(Tukwila, WA) – Teamsters Local 117 will hold a 2 P.M. news conference on Wednesday, September 12 at the Teamsters Building in Tukwila to call on United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) and its largest customer Whole Foods to hold its suppliers accountable for child labor violations in Africa.

168 warehouse workers and drivers employed at UNFI’s distribution center in Auburn will wear solidarity stickers today urging their employer to “Raise the Bar” and join a coalition of 41 natural food stores that are committed to using ethically-sourced chocolate and condemning child labor.

Local 117 has also filed a series of Unfair Labor Practices with the National Labor Relations Board, charging the company with violations of federal labor law at its Auburn distribution center that took place during contract negotiations.

Local 117 will be joined by Jayne Kaszynski of the Olympia Food Cooperative who will provide a statement on behalf of the coalition. Sean Rudolph of the International Labor Rights Forum, one of the coalition partners in the Raise the Bar campaign will be available by phone at 202-468-3022.

WHO:
Brenda Wiest, Contract Campaign Coordinator, Teamsters 117
Jayne Kaszynski, Board of Directors, Olympia Food Co-op
Sean Rudolph, International Labor Rights Forum

WHAT/WHEN:
TEAMSTERS JOIN “RAISE THE BAR” CAMPAIGN
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
2 P.M.

WHERE:
Teamsters Local 117
14675 Interurban Ave. S. Tukwila, WA 98168