Workers in a food production plant in Argentina have called for solidarity efforts against the Illinois-based multinational food corporation Kraft in the wake of the firings of more than 150 Kraft workers in Argentina.

A food factory in Buenos Aires owned by the Argentina-based company Terrabusi was bought out by Kraft in 2004. Since then, the company has markedly reduced hygiene efforts at the factory to cut costs. But a July 2009 outbreak of H1N1 flu struck the plant, and workers (many of whom were working mothers) were forced to strike simply to take sick leave to avoid the unhygenic surroundings. In the wake of the strike, Kraft "selectively fired" some 150 workers, including many union leaders and union delegates.

The Kraft workers have taken to repeated protest, including a street blockade in Buenos Aires. Workers have demanded the rehiring of the 150 fired workers by Kraft, and called for solidarity efforts in the United States, and particularly in the Chicago area since Kraft is headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Glenview. Illinois Kraft officers have been caught using the internet to follow the activism of the workers in Argentina, but the workers have responded in kind by using internet social media to raise awareness and rally support.

Related Resources: Letter: Say No To Kraft | Video: Say No To Kraft | Sept. 17: Solidarity Picket at Kraft Plants in Chicago and Champaign | Champaign Activists Say “NO!” to Kraft