Union Rallies for Fired Panera Worker

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.infoshop.org/inews/article.php?story=20080304053120917

By Stephanie Basile

March 02, 2008

On Wednesday, the IWW will be picketing Panera Bread for its termination of Joseph Agins Jr. Agins was fired in December after working for the company for ten months. He was not given any explanation for his termination.

The union will be standing in solidarity with Agins and sending a message to Panera Bread that unjustified terminations will not be tolerated. Agains has also filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board.

Panera Bread, a fast food bakery chain, began intimidating Agins and other employees when the company learned of his previous involvement as a barista with the Starbucks Workers Union. Agins recalls that one of the company’s first union-busting tactics was showing an instructional video to managers on how to discourage workers from unionizing.

After the video was shown, managers began actively disseminating misinformation about the union. “They threatened the workers,” says Agins. “They told them that if they joined the union, they’d all be fired.” Wednesday’s protest will be the first public exposure of the company’s illegal termination of Agins.

Wednesday, March 5th, 12pm – 2pm

Panera Bread
340 Baychester Ave.
Bronx, NY 10475 (Co-op City)

Directions:
6 Train to Pelham Bay Park, last stop on the 6 in the Bronx. Walk to the CVS and take the 12 bus (Bay Plaza) one stop. You walk past Staples and then you'll see Panera Bread.

http://www.wobblycity.org/current/news_letter.cgi