UFW Releases Wine at Delegates Convention (union wages and health benefits to their workers)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.kcbs.com/UFW-Releases-Wine-at-Delegates-Convention/1911595

Posted: Sunday, 30 March 2008 8:55AM

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KCBS) -- As California Democratic leaders met at the party's convention dinner Saturday night in San Jose, many of them were sipping something new.

The United Farm Workers' Union's "Black Eagle Wines" used the event to unveil their first-ever bottles, which they say will help bring awareness to farm worker rights.

Joaquin Ross is the President of Black Eagle Wines. He says that the UFW is in his blood. His mother was a farm-worker and his father was a labor organizer who worked under Cesar Chavez.

Ross says that Black Eagle Wines is hoping that by offering union wages and health benefits to their workers, they will be able to show other, larger winemakers that there is a market for socially conscious wines.

”You know, one of the things that we did notice in our research was that the labor movement, in large part, asks people to participate in their cause through a negative frame. For example, don’t shop at WalMart, or buy certain products,” said Ross. “But what we’re trying to do is give consumers something positive to participate in for the labor movement.”

Right now the wines are only available at http://www.blackeaglewines.com/

[LisaM]

1. Great idea! I hope to be able to buy some one day.

When I first moved to Washington state, there was a longtime boycott of St. Michelle winery. They also held concerts on their grounds, and I remember the slogan "don't buy a ticket! Come and picket!"

It brought back memories of when I was quite young, and actually did do some picketing for the Farm Workers (long before I was even of voting age). We weren't supposed to buy lettuce or grapes. I didn't eat grapes for years, and of course, the ultimate villain was Gallo.

That boycotting worked, and, in fact, I can now buy St. Michelle wine (though to this day, I always think twice).

It makes me happy they have this product I can purchase to help them, and I hope I can get it in Washington state some time.