Hershey's Guestworkers Speak Out!

Hundreds of students paid $3,000-$6,000 each to come to the U.S. this summer for what they thought would be a cultural exchange program through the State Department's J-1 visa program. Instead, they found themselves packing chocolates at the Hershey's plant in deeply exploitative conditions. Some of the workers came to speak and ask for our support at the Jobs with Justice national conference. Find out how you can help at www.jwjblog.org/2011/08/student-guestworkers-sit-in-at-hershey-factory-your-help­-needed

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• hershey's
• guestworkers
• j-1
• visa
• jobs with justice
• conference
• chocolate

[westwindwalker]

Hersheys what the hell...did you frigging lose your minds? Do you think you can do anything? Well, I've loved Hersheys chocolate for almost 60 years...but I'm boycotting you now...and I will spread the word far and wide... this is disgusting! disgusting...and don't try to hide behind...the aw geee it wasn't us, it was our labor contractors fault. No Way...the buck stops at the top...you need to compensate these students properly, and don't bring any other ones. Dishonest! Did I say disgusting?

[jjUHL75]

Unbelievable, what these companies think they can get away with!

[DsWill719]

Its amazing how i've seen no media coverage on this.

[lorenzodwin]

@RoninDave i worked at the hershey plant! i'm the guy standing at the end of the line (jeans yellow shirt) there is no such person that worked at the plant.

[clev9980]

Not all....but too many companies have taken greed to the next level. Make profits but treat your workers with respect and pay them a fair wage for a days work. I won't buy any more Hershey Products !!!!

[RoninDave]

@navygolf98 Save your Amens, it's hypocritical given the circumstances. So one student disagreed with them? So what? Far more didn't and they had far more to say about it. Keep shilling, navy, for all the good it will do you - you're not convincing anyone.

[RoninDave]

@navygolf98 ah so it's labor unions you're so hot against? They are the ones exploiting the students? PLease! Take your anti-union zest elsewhere, shill. LA Times and Huffington Post both said between 300-400 students walked out

[navygolf98]

@RoninDave Here's what Lenka Vevrova, one of the J1 students at the Hershey plant, had to say about those who walked out: "I disagree with the actions of these students because all the work, accommodation and all have been hand signed. We knew everything before hand. The job offer and description were clearly written and it was clear that this is not a program for making money. Every job we have chosen no one told us that you have to go to. Everyone we have the right to choose a job." Amen!

[navygolf98]

@RoninDave I have no problem with people standing up for their rights; in fact, that's what I'm doing by posting here right now. Because the public has a right to be informed about the actual facts and truth underneath the media frenzy that these labor unions instigated by exploiting international exchange students and using them to push their political agenda; that is not what the J1 program is for. You are exaggerating the numbers: there were 385 students at Hershey; about 150-200 walked out.

[RoninDave]

@navygolf98 shilling over here to, eh navygolf? Don't like it when people stand up for their rights? Can't get it thru your shilling head that 300 students walked out. Not 1 not 2 not even 20 but over 300. that should say something and for most people it does but guys like you... well, denial ain't just a river in Egypt