Brandworkers Blog

Brandworkers Protest Shakes Up NYCEDC Board Meeting

As part of Brandworkers' grassroots campaign to prioritize the voices of workers and taxpayers in the direction of the Food Manufacturers Growth Fund, over a dozen Brandworkers supporters carried out our second protest at the New York City Economic Development Corporation's (NYCEDC) Board of Directors meeting last week. While the NYCEDC board members attempted to rush through their agenda, Brandworkers protestors held up two rows of signs that spelled out “Food Fund” and “Transparency” and disturbed the “business-as-usual” tenor of the gathering.

Paid Summer Internship at Brandworkers

Brandworkers is accepting applications for a ten week paid organizing internship for a candidate interested in getting into social movement work. The organizing intern will receive hands-on training and participate in Brandworkers new member organizing initiatives. The intern will help recent immigrant workers of color develop workplace justice campaigns to combat wage theft, discrimination, and reckless disregard for health and safety in New York City's food processing and distribution industry.

Help Us Transform the Food System

Celebrated around the world on May 1, May Day commemorates the Haymarket Affair in 1886, when workers gathered with great resolve to call for the 8-hour day and an end to violence against striking workers. By demanding an 8-hour day, workers were reclaiming their right to a life that included time for friends and family, for creativity, for enjoyment.

Lobbying Group for Food Factory Where Worker was Killed to Partner on City Subsidy Program

On Friday, the subsidized loan program for NYC food manufacturers, the Food Manufacturers Growth Fund, brought on East Williamsburg Valley Industrial Development Corporation (EWVIDCO) as its technical assistance partner. EWVIDCO is a business interest group that boasts among its members the infamous Tortilleria Chinantla—the Brooklyn tortilla factory where Juan Baten, a 22-year-old father, tragically died due to the unsafe working conditions maintained by owner Erasmo Ponce.

Tell Alicia Glen & Goldman Sachs: Good Food and Safe Jobs for NYC‏

Goldman Sachs doesn't want you to know what it does with your tax-dollars. Don't let your money go to law-breaking food sweatshops. Sign our petition to call on Alicia Glen of Goldman Sachs to create good jobs through their food manufacturers loan program.

Goldman Sachs no quiere que sepas lo que hace con tus impuestos. No dejes que tu dinero caiga en las manos de fábricas neglientes y malhechores. Firma nuestra petición para exigir a Alicia Glen de Goldman Sachs a que cree trabajos dignos mediante su programa de préstamos para fabricantes de alimentos.

Silent Protest Grips the NYC Economic Development Corporation

In our most determined action against the NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) since our Candlelight Vigil for Juan Baten, Brandworkers mobilized nearly thirty people on Wednesday to challenge the agency on its refusal to adopt a transparent, common-sense approach to public spending for its Food Manufacturers Growth Fund.

Potluck and Movie at Our Long Island City Headquarters

This Sunday, please join us at Brandworkers for a showing of the riveting movie “Después de la Neblina” (When Clouds Clear - click here to view the trailer),

New York City's New Loan Program for Food Manufacturers Risks Misuse of Taxpayer Dollars

Brandworkers pledged today to scrutinize the loan decisions of a new City loan program for food manufacturers backed by controversial Wall Street firm Goldman Sachs. The Queens-based workers' rights organization made the move after talks with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), Goldman, and their third-party loan administrator broke down over incorporating basic standards of transparency, disclosure, and legal compliance for employers who receive public dollars from the NYC Food Manufacturers Growth Fund.

National Food Workers Coalition Honors Brandworkers Members for Innovative Campaign Victory

Brandworkers members Placido Romero and Irma Luna's family at the Food Chain Workers Alliance awards party

Last Wednesday, Brandworkers members were honored by the preeminent national coalition of food worker organizations, the Food Chain Workers Alliance, for their inspiring campaign victory. Our members from the kosher food processing and distribution company, Flaum Appetizing, were given the Food Workers Justice Award for winning back $577,000 in stolen wages and compelling the employer to accept a binding code of conduct ensuring compliance with all workplace laws.

Brandworkers Campaigner Responds to NY Daily News Article on New Food Manufacturers Fund

Joseph Sanchez challenges New York City to ensure that taxpayer dollars stimulate the growth of good food manufacturing jobs and avoid supporting employers who violate workers' rights.

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