TOWN STRUGGLES AS INDUSTRY GOES; BIRDS EYE TO CLOSE BY YEAR’S END - Watsonville, California

“With the huge layoff coming, workers and local leaders are struggling to adapt in this predominantly Latino town of nearly 50,000. There were loud protests when the Green Giant plant moved jobs from Watsonville to a Mexican factory in 1991. But after Birds Eye’s announcement late last month, there was a quiet resignation — almost acquiescence — to the global economic realities: It’s cheaper to package frozen foods in China and Chile than in California.

The economic engine that drove many of the workers from Mexico to Watsonville’s frozen food plants has been driving those same jobs south of the border since the late 1970s. Many see themselves as pawns in a vast global chess game being played by invisible hands.”

Stumble it! | |

Other posts that may interest you

'Buy Fresh, Buy Local' goes bilingual - California

Jóvenes SANOS quizzes community about fast food - Watsonville, California

Cockfighting bust nets more than 5,000 birds, 50 arrests - San Diego

Watsonville director’s film “Gordo” gains exposure

Business brings hope to El Salvadorian town - Maryland

Sentinel's parent company buys Spanish weekly in Watsonville. California

Struggles and success for Boston Latinos

More Raids Likely: County's illegal immigrants told they have rights - Santa Cruz County - Watsonville, California

Longs looks to Latino market to bolster profits - (this grocery chain has chain with more than 500 stores in California, Nevada and Hawaii)

A coupling of cultures: In Guatemalan town, Stamford is babys first word - Connecticut