ILA boycott of Del Monte Fresh statement

DEL MONTE FRESH PRODUCE, N.A.

undermines working conditions in the Port of Philadelphia

Support the INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION

in its effort to maintain working conditions in the Port of Philadelphia.

International Longshoremen’s Association has no dispute with any person other than Del Monte

Fresh Produce, N.A., and we are not asking any individual to cease performing any services, or to

refuse to pick up, deliver, handle or transport any goods. This Document has been paid for with Union Funding 1003-037 10608

BOYCOTT Del Monte Fresh Fruit

TO ALL AMERICAN CONSUMERS:We, the members of the International

Longshoremen’s Association, have serviced Del Monte Fresh Produce, N.A. through

a stevedore at the Pier 5, Camden, New Jersey facility for the past 22 years. We have

performed our duties professionally, efficiently, and with respect to Del Monte’s

economic concerns. We have never heard any complaints about our service or

economics from this company. The employees that work on the terminal have been

working for the same wage rate that they were making 19 years ago. We have the

lowest pension plan in our industry as a result of keeping costs under control.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS:Del Monte has a lease agreement with the

State of New Jersey until 2018, and is now vacating the Pier 5 facility. Del Monte

also has an operating agreement with Delaware River Stevedore, Inc, until December

31, 2010.

UNFAIR NOTICE:On Thursday, July 22, 2010, Del Monte’s officers demanded

$5 million in labor cost reductions and approximately $25 million in infrastructure

improvements from the State of New Jersey. Del Monte imposed an unrealistic

deadline of 4 days to meet its demands.

OUR RESPONSE:Based on the threat of losing at least 200 family-sustaining jobs,

and the tax revenue generated by these jobs, we agreed to reduce our wages in some

case 25%, cut manning, and possibly eliminate some benefits. We met Del Monte’s

demands to reduce labor cost by $5 million.

The State of New Jersey acted quickly and prudently and offered a great

modification package, and also offered to extend Del Monte’s lease, providing longer

term security.

RESULT:Del Monte has now served notice that it is moving to a Gloucester, New

Jersey facility. Our family-sustaining jobs will be replaced with “working poor”

employment. This will erode further the already declining New Jersey tax base. The

workers lose, the employers lose, and the states on both sides of the Delaware River

lose.

ATTACK AGAINST AMERICAN WORKING STANDARDS 2009

WAS THE WORST ECONOMIC YEAR SINCE THE DEPRESSION OF 1929

FACT:Del Monte had its 2nd Highest Salesyear in 2009 following its record year in

2008 with over $3 billion in sales.

Del Monte’s “NET” Profit for 2009 was $144 million; in 2008 it was $157 million.

North America is 48% of net sales. 

It is clear that the predominantly foreign ownership of Del Monte wants to exploit

American workers to inflate its high profits.

Please support our cause.