Great news everyone, Trader Joe's, the grocery store chain, has decided to do the right thing and work with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW). They have agreed to sign an agreement that begins a relationship with the CIW and its fair food program. This decision comes just days before the CIW planed action to greet Trader Joe's at the opening of the it's first Florida store. Not only was this the first store though, the newest Trader Joe's is located just 30 minutes away from the tomato fields of Immokalee. This had seemed like an almost intentional form of taunting – letting the workers know that the newest guy in town is also one of your biggest enemies.
But this victory for fair food was not won overnight. Rather it is the result of a long and hard struggle by the CIW and its supporters. Trader Joe’s has been in the national spotlight for over a year, because of their refusal to pay farm workers 1 penny more per pound of tomatoes. This small amount accomplishes more than meets the eye -- it nearly doubles workers average rate of pay by bringing wages up from 50 cents per 32 lbs of tomatoes to 82 cents per 32 lbs. Consumers have repeatedly said they are more than willing to pay this small amount to help bring thousands of workers out of poverty.
Fair Food Jacksonville has been collecting pennies as a down payment on their contribution to the cause. They have already collected about $100 in pennies, or enough to cover 10,000 lbs of tomatoes. The struggle continues in the campaign to follow Trader Joe’s example and sign an agreement with the CIW. Once Publix agrees to work with the CIW, Fair Food Jacksonville will donate the money to the Coalition in the name of consumers. This continuing struggle for greater equality and justice has also been embraced by the Florida Occupy movement in recent months, with many Occupy movements joining, and sometimes even leading demonstrations at Publix supermarkets around the state.
So, congratulations to Trader Joe’s for realizing this is the right thing to do; I am sure they will quickly realize they should have done this years ago. I encourage them to work diligently with the CIW, since they are now calling Florida a new home. There is lots of buzz for Trader Joe's among the foodies and I am sure they will find greater success in the state now that the agreement has been signed. Let’s not forget to send Trader Joe's a hardy thank you, because positive feedback is important as well.
As far as Publix, it is a shame that the largest private corporations in Florida, which posted profits of $6.4 billion just a few months ago, up 5.5% from last year, can't find in their heart's to pay workers that help make their outstanding profits just a few pennies more. Rightfully the CIW has decided to now focus all of their energy on Publix. This news comes on the heels of a big campaign set to begin on March 5th, when farmworkers and a number of their allies will begin a six day fast. On March 10th, they will be met by their supporters at Publix's headquarters in Lakeland.
For Publix, it is better late than never and I strongly encourage them to do the right thing as soon as possible.
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In Solidarity,
James W. Taylor
