Sen. Steinberg, Councilman Cohn ignored by Blue Diamond Growers

Sen. Steinberg, Councilman Cohn ignored by Blue Diamond Growers; Seniors & community groups to 'insist' on meeting with CEO on Thursday

SACRAMENTO - State Sen. Darrell Steinberg and City Councilman Steve Cohn were refused a meeting with Blue Diamond Growers, but, Thursday, a contingent of seniors and other community groups will insist on a meeting - or else - because of ongoing reports of how workers are treated at the plant.

They will hold a major news conference THURSDAY at 9:45 a.m. at the MAIN GATE of Blue Diamond (17th & C Streets), before attempting to enter the property to meet with Blue Diamond CEO Doug Youngdahl.

Youngdahl and Blue Diamond Growers have ignored for months a request by Steinberg, Cohn and community leaders to meet no later than Dec. 28, 2007 to discuss "fair and free" elections at the plant. In February, Youngdahl refused formally to meet, noting in a letter to Steinberg "(it) would not be appropriate."

Community leaders are concerned about the treatment of workers after hearing testimony at a Town Forum that employees have been harshly treated, sometimes in an illegal manner, during the three years they've been organizing to join the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU).

Among the organizations represented include Gray Panthers, California Alliance of Retired Americans, Older Women's League and Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA).

The Thursday action will be the first of many at Blue Diamond in the next few months, organized by residents of Sacramento who are working for "free and fair" elections at the plant for all workers.