Immokalee workers pressing for tangible support measures

WHEATON—The Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) has launched a post-card campaign to press the head of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., a franchise of national restaurants, to join with McDonald’s, Burger King and Whole Foods corporations in paying an extra penny per pound for tomatoes picked by crop harvesters in Immokalee, Fla. The text for post-cards can be accessed at the CIW Web site at: http://www.ciw-online.org/CIW_response_to_Chipotle.html. The cards should be mailed to: Mr. Steve Ells, CEO, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Ind., 1543 Wazee St., Suite 200, Denver, CO 80202.

The CIW represents the bulk of Florida’s tomato pickers, most of whom are migrant farm workers. Sr. Sheila Kinsey, OSF and Leader of the JPIC Office, together with representatives of the Diocese of Joliet have worked with CIW and restaurant executives to encourage dialogue. The results have been positive and have helped ease the financial plight of those living on the margins of society. The farm workers earn minimum wage for 10-hour days in grueling conditions, said Sr. Sheila.

Organization officials have invited President-elect Barack Obama to tour the community to see firsthand the extreme conditions the workers and their families endure.