Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Office of the General Assembly
100 Witherspoon St. ~ Louisville, KY ~ 40202
502-569-5424 ~ ckirkpat@ctr.pcusa.org
www.pcusa.org
The Rev. Dr. Clifton Kirkpatrick, Stated Clerk
John W. Chidsey, CEO
Burger King Corporate Office
5505 Blue Lagoon Drive
Miami, FL 33126
January 10, 2007
Dear Mr. Chidsey:
Across the nation, consumers of conscience are asking whether Burger King will ensure that the tomatoes it serves are produced fairly, respecting the human rights of the farmworkers who harvest them. Presbyterians are active within this growing movement for fair food and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is a strong partner of the .
The PC(USA) supports the historic agreement achieved between the CIW and Yum! Brands in March of 2005. This agreement has guaranteed improved wages for farmworkers, ensured transparency in Taco Bell’s tomato supply chain, and, in partnership with the CIW farmworkers, established an enforceable, human rights-based code of conduct for Taco Bell’s tomato suppliers.
In December 2005, I wrote to Burger King on behalf of the General Assembly of the PC(USA) to express our hope that your company would swiftly embrace the precedents established in this agreement and work together with the CIW to implement them within your own supply chain. Surprisingly, to date, your company has taken no action.
So at the close of 2006, farmworkers harvesting tomatoes for Burger King continue to face poverty wages and exploitative working conditions. They still lack rights enjoyed by workers in other industries. And another case of slavery in the agricultural industry was uncovered and (successfully) prosecuted with CIW’s help. But these abhorrent conditions need not persist.
While the CIW-Yum agreement was one model for achieving the important precedents of improved wages, transparency, and farmworker participation in the protection of their own human rights, CIW and its partners recognize that the way in which Burger King implements these precedents must fit the particular demands of your supply chain.
Already at the table are the CIW’s expertise, a flexible model and clear precedents. The only thing missing in order to end the human rights abuses of tomato pickers is Burger King’s willingness. Any company who profits from the exploitation of others is morally and ethically responsible for ending that exploitation.
Given the severity of the problem and the readiness of a meaningful way forward, we are puzzled at your company’s inaction. This is not the time for Burger King to stand on the sidelines of history. Your commitment is needed now.
May the dawn of 2007 be known as the moment that Burger King chose to shape history by advancing human rights for farmworkers in partnership with the CIW.
Cordially yours,
Clifton Kirkpatrick
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
Cc: Steven Grover, R.E.H.S., Vice President, Food Safety, Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance