Anniversary picket photo-report – and 10/14 action announcement

October 3rd marked the ninth anniversary of the first Milk with Dignity agreement and the launch of the groundbreaking worker-driven human rights program. Through Milk with Dignity, hundreds of dairy workers have won unparalleled protections, and farms have received millions of dollars to invest in higher wages and improved labor and housing conditions. The program’s impact has been nothing short of transformational.

Farmworkers celebrated the occasion with a spirited action pushing for the expansion of the program. Workers and allies picketed Hannaford Supermarket, calling on the grocery chain to join Milk with Dignity and source its store-brand milk from farms that protect workers’ rights. Picketers urged consumers not to shop at the store, resulting in many potential customers turning away and a nearly-empty parking lot throughout the protest. The successful action brought out hundreds of supporters – and brought a march past security barricades and right to the front door of the store. 

October 3rd was a warm, fall day – perfect picketing weather!

As always, the Migrant Justice action was a family affair, with even the youngest members of the farmworker community chipping in

Mariana, a farmworker leader, addressed the crowd. She spoke about living in housing infested with bugs and with holes in the walls. “Farmworkers are united and are bringing Hannaford the solution to the abuses on farms!”

Luisa, another farmworker leader, spoke about working 12 years on a farm without a single day of vacation or paid sick leave. “Hannaford, come visit us on our farms and you’ll see why we need Milk with DIgnity!”

Workers and consumers are united in calling on Hannaford to join the program

“Hannaford, listen up! Farmworkers aren’t giving up!”

Get up! Get down! Milk with Dignity is coming to town!

Mari, a union member at UVM Medical Center delivered a message of solidarity. Healthcare workers are calling on the hospital to join Milk with Dignity, too!

Lexington, an organizer with Shut Down ICE VT announced an upcoming week of action for immigrant rights

After speeches, workers began marching toward the store, led by farmworker puppet Neta

The march was met by security guards hired by Hannaford to try to ensure that consumers don’t hear farmworkers’ message

Undeterred, marchers made it to the front door and established a picket line in front of the store

The action concluded, and with the cold of the evening setting in, marchers were served fresh tamales and warm champurrado

Of course, an anniversary celebration wouldn’t be complete without a birthday cake for Milk with Dignity!

During the event, farmworkers announced the next campaign action for Milk with Dignity. From October 14th -16th, Hannaford executives are meeting in Stowe, Vermont for a corporate leadership retreat. We want to make sure that company president Mike Vail and his colleagues get the welcome they deserve!

Throughout the years, workers have traveled repeatedly to Hannaford’s corporate headquarters in Maine (and more recently, to the headquarters of Hannaford’s parent company in Massachusetts and in the Netherlands) in an attempt to directly address executives. Each time, Hannaford has confronted workers with locked doors, security barricades, and threats of arrest. With executives now coming to the home state of Milk with Dignity, we have an unprecedented opportunity to make them listen to farmworkers.

Hannaford executives are holding their three day retreat at the Spruce Peak Lodge in Stowe. During their arrival on Wednesday the 14th, throughout the day on Thursday the 15th, and as they leave on Friday the 16th, we will make our voices heard and ensure – whether they want it or not – that Milk with Dignity will be on their agenda!

Mark your calendar for 10/14 - 10/16, spread the word, and make a plan to join farmworkers during the three-day picket and noise demonstration. We’ll see you in Stowe!