MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - The Latest on a march to a Ben & Jerry’s plant by farm workers and activists (all times local):
5 p.m.
Scores of dairy farm workers and activists have completed their march from the Vermont capital of Montpelier to a Ben & Jerry’s factory protesting what they say are slow negotiations to reach a deal on the so-called “Milk with Dignity” program.
The march that began Saturday morning at the Montpelier Statehouse ended mid-afternoon at the ice cream plant in Waterbury.
Proponents say the program would ensure fair pay and living conditions on farms that provide milk to Ben & Jerry’s for its popular ice cream.
Organizer Will Lambek says that when marchers arrived at the plant they presented a letter to Ben & Jerry’s CEO Jostein Solheim.
Ben & Jerry’s spokesman Sean Greenwood says the company is committed to reaching a deal with workers.
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10:15 a.m.
Scores of dairy farm workers and activists are marching to the Ben & Jerry’s factory in the Vermont town of Waterbury to protest what they say are slow negotiations to reach a deal on the so-called “Milk with Dignity” program.
The march began Saturday morning at the Montpelier Statehouse, headed to the company’s main factory.
Proponents say the program would ensure fair pay and living conditions on farms that provide milk to Ben & Jerry’s for its popular ice cream. Farmworkers and marcher Victor Diaz says it’s time for the company to act.
Ben & Jerry’s spokesman Sean Greenwood says the company is committed to reaching a deal with workers.
Ben & Jerry’s gets most of its milk from 80 Vermont farms.
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