By Bill Sorem
Minneapolis, MN, January 20, 2011.
About 150 protesters stormed the Nicollet Mall Chipotle Restaurant at noon disrupting business. Eight handcuffed themselves to a chain strung inside the entrance. The eight were later arrested, given police handcuffs and transported to jail. About 25 Minneapolis Police Officers and a Fire Department Emergency vehicle responded to the action. The protest was organized by Local 26, SEIU, Service Employees International Union.
In this video we see how the main group of protesters rehearsed handcuffing procedures and were briefed on on the rules of engagement for this action at the union hall in Minneapolis.
Chipotle fired hundreds of employees right before Christmas for alleged immigration violations, many without pay. The complaints against Chipotle also include sexual harassment, harassment of injured employees, non-payment of back wages and unused vacations. These grievances have gone on for many months.
