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flyer to be distributed at 2007 March on Burger King |
Today, farmworkers from Immokalee and their allies are marching 9 miles through the streets of Miami to the world headquarters of Burger King.
Today we march because there is a human rights crisis in the fields of Florida. Tomato pickers who harvest tomatoes for the fast-food industry face sweatshop conditions every day, including subpoverty, stagnant wages (pickers earn about $10,000/year on average and a per-bucket piece rate that has not changed significantly since 1978) and a denial of basic labor rights.
Today we march because to earn minimum wage for a 10-hour day, a tomato picker in Florida must harvest over TWO AND A HALF TONS of tomatoes.
Today we march because we have seen 5 cases of modern-day slavery in the fields, involving over 1,000 workers, brought to the federal courts since 1997.
Recent campaign news |
• Penny foolish (NYT, 11/29)
• March on Burger King press release (CIW, 11/29)
• Burger King and modern day abolitionists face off (Upside Down World, 11/07)
• An open statement to Burger King and the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange (PC(USA), 11/28)
• Penny for bad thought (Palm Beach Post, 11/28)
• "Amazing (Dis)Grace:" BK and grower strategy exposed (CIW, 11/26)
• At a penny per pound, a little adds up to a lot (St. Pete Times, 11/25)
• Coalition of Immokalee Workers wins 2007 Anti-Slavery International Award (ASI, 11/18)
• Response to Burger King lies (CIW, 10/07)
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Today we march because Burger King contributes directly to farmworker poverty through its high-volume purchasing practices, demanding cheap tomatoes but never demanding fair treatment or just wages for the people who harvest those tomatoes.
Today we march because we have hope. Farmworkers and consumers have already united to influence Yum Brands and McDonald's to directly improve wages and working conditions in their tomato supply chains.
Today we march because, in the wake of these changes, we stand on the threshold of a more modern, more humane agricultural industry in Florida. Yet, facing this historic opportunity, Burger King has responded with lies and excuses to not take responsibility.
Today we are marching to say ENOUGH.
Today we are marching for the dignity of workers, consumers, and our communities alike.
JOIN US as we demand justice.
Rally at Burger King headquarters this afternoon, 3:30 to 6:00, at Blue Lagoon Drive and NW 57 Ave
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