MEDIA CONTACT
Jordan Buckley, Interfaith Action
Oscar Otzoy, Coalition of Immokalee Workers
239 503 0928 — www.ciw-online.org
Farmworkers to Arrive at Publix HQ Tomorrow after 200-mile Bike Ride, Will Invite CEO Ed Crenshaw to Immokalee to Learn the Truth About Fair Food Initiative
Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) members believe Publix CEO personally unaware of farmworker poverty and abuse,
misinformed by Publix’s PR team
Immokalee, FL (Sept. 5, 2011) — Tomorrow, on Tuesday, Sept. 6th, after a 200-mile journey that included several dozen presentations and prayerful meals hosted by churches along the way, a special blessing by Bishop Frank J. Dewane of the Diocese of Venice, and a handful of Publix pickets, a bike delegation of farmworkers from the CIW will arrive at Publix headquarters in Lakeland, Florida. The bikers hope to invite Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw to visit Immokalee personally to learn more about farmworker poverty and the CIW’s Fair Food program.
In mid-August, The Ledger of Lakeland reported that Publix’s CEO “is aware of the Coalition’s plans but it’s not clear if Crenshaw would accept the invitation to visit Immokalee.” Tuesday’s events include:
10 AM: Farmworker bicycle delegation arrives to Barnett Family Park (730 E Orange St, Lakeland) for brunch with faith-based supporters
11 AM: Final 8-mile stretch of “Pilgrimage to Publix” with supporters biking along with the CIW delegation to Publix HQ
Noon: Spirited gathering with prayer and song, where CIW delegation will learn if Mr. Crenshaw will meet with them and accept their invitation to Immokalee or reject them
Background:
In an accord the New York Times calls “possibly the most successful labor action in the U.S. in 20 years,” the CIW and 90% of Florida’s tomato farms have agreed to a new code of conduct that promises to bring about an unprecedented transformation of farm labor wages and working conditions.
With the support of nine multi-billiondollar retail food corporations — among them McDonald’s, Florida-based Burger King and Publix competitor Whole Foods — over 30,000 farmworkers will begin to see concrete changes in the fields this season, including assured access to shade, the right to report abuses without fear or retaliation, the ability to form health and safety committees in the fields, zero-tolerance provisions for forced labor and sexual harassment, and a wage increase funded by a penny-per-pound premium paid by participating retailers.
Yet Publix refuses to pay one penny more per pound to do its part in raising farmworker wages, and Publix has not agreed to condition its purchases on suppliers’ compliance with the new code of conduct. With fast-food and foodservice leaders on board, Publix’s continued rejection of the Fair Food advances establishes a dangerous example for the supermarket industry that threatens to undermine these landmark yet fragile gains.
For too long the CIW’s efforts have been fielded by Publix’s labor relations department — and ignored by Publix decision-makers like Ed Crenshaw.
“What’s particularly frustrating,” said CIW member Oscar Otzoy, “is that Publix’s PR department has consistently distorted the nature of the Fair Food program and our request that Publix help support this promising new day for our state’s farmworkers.”
Otzoy continued, “Their spokespeople call our new partnership with over 90% of Florida’s tomato farms “a labor dispute”; they argue the Fair Food initiative needs to put the penny in the price, when that’s exactly how the program already works; they suggest the CIW wants Publix to pay workers directly, when Publix, like all the other retailers are doing, would simply pay a penny-per-pound premium that growers would distribute to their employees, much like Publix-brand fair-trade coffee.”
Jordan Buckley of Interfaith Action, an organization of faith allies supporting the CIW’s Campaign for Fair Food, adds,”Mr. Crenshaw supports Fair Trade coffee and proclaims that a guiding maxim for running his business stems from the advice of his grandfather, Publix founder George Jenkins: ‘Don’t let making a profit get in the way of doing the right thing.’ If we can finally direct Mr. Crenshaw’s attention to this unparalleled opportunity to better the lives of the farmworkers who pick his company’s tomatoes, the absurdity of Publix’s refusal to participate very well may end.”
Resources for Pilgrimage to Publix:
“CIW Response to Publix’s “Put it in the Price” Defense” (www.ciw-online.org, 4/3/2011)
“Immokalee Coalition to Pedal to Lakeland” (Ft. Myers News-Press, 8/20/2011)
“Immokalee Farmworkers to Bike to Publix CEO’s Office Sept 6th” (Lakeland Ledger, 8/19/2011)
“Pedaling for Pennies: Farmworkers want Publix to Pay More” (Naples Daily News, 8/19/2011)
“Dirty Tomatoes: A Spiritual and Dietary Proposal” (Huffington Post, 8/25/2011)
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