Groups not aware of meeting

To the editor:

This week's online Baker City Herald article, "Country Natural Beef takes its case to Whole Food customers," (July 16) had both factual errors and mischaracterized Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon's (EMO's) position on the labor issues at Beef Northwest.

First, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon has no planned meeting with Country Natural Beef ranchers and representatives from Whole Foods on July 24.

Second, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, contrary to the assertion by Stacy Davies, spokesman for Country Natural Beef, has not "agreed to have the workers vote" by secret ballot administered by a third party as supported by, Country Natural Beef and Beef Northwest.

We are aware that the United Farm Workers has collected cards from workers desiring a union which should be respected and taken into account in the process. We continue to encourage all parties to come to the bargaining table, including owners, management and the union, as we believe that the solution to most disputes comes when all parties can work together jointly.

It is also important to note that no one from the Baker City Herald contacted EMO for this article.

David Leslie

Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon

Portland