Monday, March 14, 2005
Farmworkers vs. Taco Bell
A three-year boycott of the American fast food chain Taco Bell has ended in victory for the farm labourers behind the protest.
In what is seen as an historic settlement, Taco Bell agreed to the demands of the workers, some of whom went on hunger strike outside the company's California headquarters.
The deal between the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and Taco Bell's parent company, Yum! Brands, the largest restaurant firm in the world, aims to improve the wages and conditions of the Florida tomato pickers, for years one of the most exploited groups in the US workforce, some of whose conditions have led to prosecutions under slavery laws.
The boycott began in 2002 after the mainly immigrant workers failed to persuade Taco Bell to pressure suppliers to pay proper wages.
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In a joint statement, they announced a one cent rise per pound of tomatoes, almost doubling the rate paid per 32lb (14kg) bucket. Farmworkers are paid by the pound, not the hour. Taco Bell will also introduce a conduct code to ensure "more humane labour standards".
The settlement is likely to have major consequences for farmworkers, as Yum! Brands also owns Pizza Hut and KFC.
Story.
posted by chris at 8:52 PM
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