[olympiaworkers] Fired workers taken to court for blogging about work conditions

Dec. 11, 2012 libcom.org

Solidarity with the Workers of Natais popcorn factory in France! Exposed
to hazardous substances, forced to work on precarious conditions, the
workers tried to fight back. On Thursday, two former employees will be in
court for supposedly "defaming" their former employer!

On Thursday, December 13, 2012, former workers from the Natais popcorn
factory in Bézéril, France will go to trial for supposed „defamation" of
their ex-employer, for talking about their working conditions on a blog.

Among the problems the workers faced was exposure to Diacetyl. This
chemical can cause bronchitis obliterans, also known as „popcorn workers'
lung", or other serious respiratory illnesses. Diacetyl is a component of
the artificial butter flavor used in microwave popcorn. Bronchitis
obliterans is irreversible and can lead to death.

The workers at Natais popcorn factory are not even given masks to protect
themselves from the vapors. They also must work in extreme heat. Around
80% of the people at the factory are temporary workers. The work is hard,
people are sometimes forced to work on Sundays, the pay is bad.

There was even a strike at the factory. A year-end bonus was won, but then
the union called off the strike. Some workers however tried to keep
fighting. For trying to speak out against these conditions, a case was
brought against 2 of the strikers, now former workers of the company.

We call on comrades around the world to support this case by sending an
email to the company. info@popcorn.fr

Sample text: We demand an end to the repression of Natais workers and
support their struggle for safer working conditions and job security. (Add
whatever you like to text.)

You can also BCC or forward your mail to sia32@no-log.org, the local union
in Gers which has been involved.

Some leaflets and more information in different languages is available
here: http://www.zsp.net.pl/natais