Kansas City-based Dairy Farmers of America has responded to a work stoppage after its acquisition of W&W Dairy in Monroe and subsequent requirement that all employees submit to reverification of their work eligibility, saying they intended to keep all current employees and blaming any problems on the United States’ immigration policy.
Dairy Farmers of America recently acquired W&W Dairy, which will formally take effect next month. On August 1, the company told the largely Hispanic and Latino workforce they would be required to reverify work eligibility. Fear and worry caused around half of the employees to leave W&W Dairy, while 43 remained. The remaining 43 requested severance and attempted to organize after the demand was not met. DFA is reported to have threatened to call Immigration and Customs Enforcement in response to their protected organizing actions.
A walkout occurred on Aug. 12. Employees expected to hear back from management by August 18, which they did not, and a picket and press conference were held Aug. 19…