Marchers Protest Sale of Nabisco’s Oxnard Plant to Nestle

More than 250 people marched through Oxnard on Saturday to protest the sale of the local Nabisco Foods plant to Nestle USA.

“We want to do two things,” said Scott Dennison, chief executive of Teamsters Local 186, which organized the march. “Either put some pressure on Nabisco to tell them that in order to solidify the deal with Nestle they must address the women’s sex discrimination lawsuits or, hopefully, convince them to back out of the deal.”

Two weeks ago, Nabisco Foods officials announced that the company had agreed to sell its local factory--which processes Grey Poupon mustard, A1 Steak Sauce, and Ortega Mexican Foods--to a division of Nestle USA Inc.

Lawyers representing former and current employees have asked for a federal investigation of the sale, alleging it is in retaliation for sex-discrimination complaints against the company.

Nabisco officials have denied both the retaliation and sexual-discrimination complaints. But officials with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have said they have evidence the company restricted bathroom privileges for women employees. Workers fear they will lose their jobs as a result of the sale if Nabisco goes forward with moving plans.

The march began at Oxnard City Hall, stopped for a brief rally in front of the plant on 3rd Street and continued to Del Sol Park for a larger demonstration.

Participants included Oxnard Mayor Manuel Lopez and representatives from the National Organization for Women.