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Paula Deen, celebrity chef, has been under fire since endorsing Smithfield Foods. The company's Tar Heel, NC plant has been found guilty of labor violations regarding twarting union organizing drives and numerous citations and fines for safety violations.

Deen said she would meet with workers from the Tar Heel plant to discuss these concerns in August 2007 on the "Larry King Live" program. She has not done so yet.

Savannah CLC President Brett Hulme organized the event in conjunction with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union, which took place outside Deen's Savannah eatery, "The Lady & Sons." The purpose was to spread awareness of the Smithfield workers' struggle, and to urge Deen to make good on her promise to meet with the workers.

An estimated 40 - 60 people turned up to show support for the campaign, including past and present employees of the Smithfield Tar Heel plant, Georgia politicians and members of the Savannah CLC (AFL-CIO), including: UFCW, IBEW, OPEIU, AFT, USW, ATU, UBC and others.

By way of megaphone chants, signs and banners, speeches, video and literature distribution, the message to Deen (and all passers by) was clear: "Keep your promise, Paula: meet with the workers."

"Fans of Paula," Not a Boycott

"We're trying to make a statement to Paula on what's going on here. We have not said, 'Do not eat at this restaurant, we've not alienated Paula Deen specifically. We are asking her simply to keep her word and meet with the workers. Because we don't want this exploitation to come to Georgia," Hulme said.

"...if [Deen] hears the other side of the story, we feel she will do the right thing."

Political Support

Georgia State Senator Regina Thomas and Representative Al Williams of the Legislative Black Caucus were on hand to show support for the workers and their right to organize. Williams pledged to visit Tar Heel in the coming weeks to address working condtions in the Smithfield plant.

Smithfield Workers Speak

A video was projected on a screen, documenting stories of injured Smithfield workers, fired or denied workmans comp. Various employees, past and present told their stories. A few present employees had to leave immediately after the demonstration to make the four hour drive to Tar Heel, NC to work 3rd shift. A few stayed to answer more questions.

Former employee Marvin Steele worked for Smithfield during the failed 1997 organizing drive, in which he says Smithfield management made their position known by lining the halls with anti-union posters.

"The reason why I supported the union, [was] because of the abuse and the mistreatment of the workers," Steel said.

Cynthia Washington says she developed a hand injury from her work on the meat cutting line.

" I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel in my hand. Smithfield was aware I was having problems with my hand, but continued wanting me to work, and they wouldn't let me go to the nurse. ...They told me if I go to the nurse, or go home, because I was in pain, that they would fire me. The reason why I did leave was because I was told I was no good to them," Washington said.

Paula Deen's Response

While Deen was not present for the demonstration, she did issue a statement to Savannah CBS affiliate WTOC:

"I'm a mother, a grandmother and a cook. I cook for my family, my fans and my customers. That's what I'm an expert at. I wouldn't want an organizer waiting on tables in my restaurant, no more than they would want me messin' around at their bargaining table. I'm just trying to run a business that was built by good folks who have been like family to me for the past 20 years. The UFCW's attempts to use my name to further their cause is disrupting the livelihoods of my employees, who are trying to earn a living and serve our valued customers. Here's all I need to know about this union issue: I've talked to Smithfield employees in Tar Heel, and they told me they want this settled with a secret-ballot election. And that will happen once the union agrees. It's the American way, as I see it."

More Local Media Coverage

Deen did however give an excusive on camera interview to Savannah NBC affiliate WSAV. The link to this footage and text transcript is HERE. This interview is incredibly revealing.

Savannah Morning news, Editorial (Sun, Dec. 10)

Savannah Morning News, (TUes, Dec. 11)

NBC WSAV, Dec. 10 This one mentions NLRB rulings against Smithfield.

CBS WTOC, Dec. 10 Compare the tone of this report to the others.