With these victories in place, CATA spokesman Nelson Carrasquillo released a statement outlining the struggle and expressing the union's hope that the next stage of the process would include negotiations. Even though the attending members were smiling at the celebratory press conference, the mood in the room was guardedly optimistic. Conditions remain a major issue. Management has asserted in many press reports that they have increased the amount paid per container. Union leaders counter that the owners also simultaneously increased the total weight for each container and reduced total work hours.
Some spokesmen claim that they have suffered from abuse and discrimination for many years.
The mainly Mexican workers in the Kaolin Mushroom Company originally took their grievances to the streets four years ago, garnering national press attention. Following the dramatic labor action was an election where workers voted to unionize by a 22-vote margin. But the election was successfully challenged by the company. The workers appealed that decision and eventually won. The company then appealed and appealed and appealed.