I first heard of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and their struggle for fair pay for farm workers back in 2002 at a youth conference.  The speaker called for a boycott of Taco Bell, one link in the Yum Brands chain of restaurants.  The reason for the boycott was that farm workers who picked tomatoes for Taco Bell restaurants were being paid the same rate for a bucket of tomatoes in 2002 as they were in 1980!  While the CiW struck a deal with the Yum Brands that insured that a premium would be paid for tomatoes used by the corporation and the proceeds would go directly to the workers via a third-party accountant, many workers still live and work in deplorable conditions.  Some are forced to live in two bedroom trailers with 9-10 other workers due to the rent being well over $1000.  There are numerous reports of beatings, theft, and even slavery by bosses, and the FBI has several ongoing investigations into the agricultural practices of farms in Southwest Florida, home of the Immokalee community.   

Since Yum Brands stepped up to the plate and began thinking towards progress for the farmworkers in Florida McDonalds was also compelled to change their policies and payments towards the farmworkers.  However, Burger King, the only restaurant chain actually stationed near the Immokalee community, refuses to regard the humanity of the workers that pick their tomatoes.  You can see a detailed documentation of the conversation between the CIW and Burger King here.  Some actions you can take:

• Give a signed copy of the protest letter to your local BK Manager

• Organize an Immokalee event to raise awareness

• Join the March on Miami (BK Head Quarters)

• STOP EATING BURGER KING until they begin treating farm workers with dignity.   

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