MONROE — Workers at a Monroe cheesemaking facility had further public support on Aug. 19, as labor talks with new ownership focused on severance pay.

Kansas-based Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) purchased W&W Dairy in Monroe on Aug. 1, and workers — even those that had been employed for decades at the company — were told they had one month to turn in E-Verify information that a new hire would have to submit. The paperwork would ensure the worker is a legal, work-eligible U.S. citizen. DFA holds government contracts, which requires the measure.

On Aug. 12, several dozen workers left the job site on strike to protest the change. Many of the workers had put several years in at the company, and some had put in a decade or more at the plant.

Over the next week, a flyer had been passed around on social media, text messages and email, asking for supporters to join in solidarity. 

“Over 40 long-time W&W Dairy workers, many with more than a decade of service, are at risk of losing their jobs. These courageous workers are demanding that their years of service be recognized and honored with fair severance pay. They need your support and solidarity. Come in person to show them they are not alone,” the flyer said. “When one of us is threatened, we all rise! Workers’ rights are non-negotiable!”

Leading the way was Milwaukee-based Voces de la Frontera (VDLF), a membership-based community organization led by low-wage workers, immigrants and youth whose mission is to protect and expand civil rights and workers’ rights through leadership development, community organizing and empowerment.

On Tuesday, Aug. 19, neighbors, supporters and labor union representatives were on hand outside the cheesemaking plant.

VDLF claims to be Wisconsin’s leading immigrant rights organization, and has been organizing and empowering immigrant workers and families for over 20 years.

While 43 workers walked out, the number of those that face losing their jobs at W&W Dairy is even higher. The company has since brought in temporary workers from across the country that have needed crash course training just to keep production running. The plant’s workforce is less than 100 people, according to E-Verify filing.

“We are on strike because we demand that the company respect our rights as workers, that it recognize our seniority, provide us with fair compensation for the years we have worked, and not resort to threats or retaliation,” said Luis Velazquez, an organizer with Voces de la Frontera, reading a letter from one of the workers that would not give their name in fear of retribution.

Labor organizations assisting the workers are requesting DFA to give severance of three weeks pay for every year worked, plus all accrued paid time off be paid out.

Christine Neumann-Ortiz, executive director of immigration advocacy group Voces de la Frontera, said there was a strong sense of betrayal, and that workers had been originally told nothing was going to change.

After the initial strike, DFA put out a statement on the ongoing strike. 

“DFA takes compliance with state and federal labor laws very seriously and is committed to complying with federal employment eligibility requirements. As a federal contractor, DFA is further obligated to use E-verify across our national network of manufacturing plants,” the statement said.

DFA also said its goal was to retain 100% of the W&W Dairy workforce and continue to expand operations.

“DFA cares deeply about our employees, their families, and the communities that we are part of,” the statement added.

E-Verify is not required in Wisconsin, though many — but not all — federal contractors across the country are required to use it. 

According to its website, DFA operates more than 4,800 farms — including nearly 400 in Wisconsin alone — and 119 manufacturing plants across the country.

W&W Dairy makes authentic and fresh Hispanic-style cheeses, like queso blanco, queso fresca and cotija. The plant has won many awards in recent years for its Mexican-style cheeses.