Would You Lend this Dairy $13 Million?

[Omaha Steve]

Does continuing to invest $13 million in a dairy that is being sued for violation of Washington wage and hour laws, unlawful discharge by firing 1/3 of the workforce and even assault sound like a good investment?

Apparently Northwest Farm Credit Services thinks so. They're the bank who lent Ruby Ridge Dairy $13 million. Here's the language from their January 29, 2008 mortgage. It states, "Mortgagors agree to comply with all laws, ordinances, regulations, covenants, conditions and restriction affecting the Property use including without limitation all environmental laws. Also not to use or permit the use of the Property for any unlawful or objectionable purpose or for any purpose that poses an unreasonable risk of harm, or that impairs or may impair the value of the Property." It sure appears that Ruby Ridge is not fulfilling the terms of their mortgage.

The lawsuit is only the tip of the iceberg. The workers who haven't yet been fired are afraid they're next. They tell us how pro-union workers have much higher daily quotas to meet that anti-union workers. The workers at Ruby Ridge believe are supporting the union are being segregated from the rest of the workforce. The pro-union workers report they work in a room that there is no safe drinking water. They either drink from hoses used to remove manure from the room's floor or water barrels from which the cows drink. These workers also do not have a break room, so they are forced to eat alongside the cows. And when the owners see them taking a lunch break they are yelled at.

The UFW has repeatedly tried to bring these issues to the bank's attention. So has the faith community and the Ruby Ridge workers. Northwest Farm Credit Services simply turned a blind eye.

We now need your support. Please send the email below and join our call for this bank to use its power to resolve the problems at Ruby Ridge Dairy.

http://action.ufw.org/rubyridge1110

After you take action please share this campaign with your friends and family. You can send them an e-mail, post this campaign on your Facebook and/or Twitter page by clicking here or going to http://action.ufw.org/page/share/rr1110

[billlll]

1. i am FIRST to send the email and tell u about it!

Ps tried to rcmm'd but the button just sends my cursor to the top of the page. Glitch at DU I guess.

PS are union wages 20% higher on average? Memory fuzzy on that.

[billlll]

2. Recmd button just worked

I recommend this to all.

[billlll]

3. PS 90% union rate in Sweden about 1985

95% in heavy industry

Shows what CAN be done.

Hope the UFW succeeds at r ridge dairy.