At Kasel Industries in downtown Denver, workers render pig ears into dog treats. The approximately 50 immigrant workers at the plant are paid $5.50/hour, are forced to work overtime, and are not provided with protective clothing. Because the pig ears arrive at the plant frozen, workers must often walk around ankle deep in melted pig fat and pig'sblood. Exit doors are locked once workers arrive at the plant, and workers are not provided with toilet paper or soap. In late February, workers began organizing with UFCW Local 7, and came to Colorado JwJ for support. Since the organizing drive began, 12 workers instrumental to the campaign to form a union have been fired. Workers have filed for a union election date with the NLRB.
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