Community Forum to Address Discrimination and Other Abuses at Gigante Supermarket.

ARLETA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 18, 1999--

Prominent political and community leaders will converge on the East San Fernando Valley Aug. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon to hear first-hand of reported abuses and discrimination suffered by employees of Gigante Supermarket.

Many have already called for the company to stop alleged discrimination against its mostly Latino workforce at its store in Pico Rivera, the first of many the Mexico City-based chain plans to open in the United States.

U.S. Representative Xavier Becerra, State Senator Richard Alarcon, Assemblyman Tony Cardenas and Los Angeles City Councilman Alex Padilla will take part in the forum aimed at informing the public of the company's alleged policy of paying its mostly Latino workforce substandard wages.

Testimony will be heard by lawmakers and leaders from communities where Gigante plans to open additional supermarkets. Workers and leaders from Pico Rivera will testify about what they claim are Gigante's broken promises regarding jobs, wages and benefits. They will join a growing effort to reverse the economic marginalization of Latino workers and their communities.

Rick Icaza, president of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 770, Los Angeles County's largest private-sector union said: "This forum exposes the hidden costs that Latino communities and other working-class communities are paying for low food prices. We are calling on members of the community to join in the struggle to demand good jobs, family wages and a real future in every neighborhood."

Grupo Gigante, Mexico's largest retailer, opened its first U.S. supermarket in Pico Rivera in May and plans to expand to 22 stores, beginning with the second store in Arleta. -0-

Gigante Dignity Campaign Forum

When: Saturday, Aug. 21

10 a.m. to noon

Where: San Fernando Boys and Girls Club

11251 Glenoaks Blvd.

Pacoima