NCC Calls McDonald's to Act Now
More church heads are speaking out against the wages and working conditions McDonald's has failed to improve for the farm workers who pick its tomatoes.
More church heads are speaking out against the wages and working conditions McDonald's has failed to improve for the farm workers who pick its tomatoes.
Following a letter released by the Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. late last month, the general secretary of the National Council of Churches, representing 45 million Christians in the United States, joined the cry against what Kirkpatrick termed as "human rights violations" for McDonald's tomato pickers.
"McDonald's, we at the National Council of Churches expect you to do better," said the Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar in a released statement.
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Edgar applauded Taco Bell and Yum! Brands Inc. as the company agreed to nearly double the wages of tomato pickers and ensure safe working conditions. The "historic agreement," said Edgar, was made with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) – a human rights, worker-led community organization.
While CIW and church leaders urge McDonald's to follow Taco Bell's lead and work with the CIW, the leading global foodservice retailer announced it will partner with Socially Accountable Farm Employers (SAFE), a newly established independent organization for farm labor.
"Instead of throwing its substantial weight behind the proven model of the Yum! Brands agreement that is already benefiting workers, McDonald's has chosen to life up SAFE's anemic code of conduct, which was designed by growers without worker input and does not address stagnant poverty wages," said Edgar.
SAFE was established in early November by the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association to provide independent certification of companies that adhere to an established employer code of conduct.
Pointing out the "sorely abused" farm workers, Edgar urged McDonald's to partner with CIW, calling it to no further delay in addressing the much needed improvements in wages and working conditions.
"I call upon you to take immediate steps to work with the CIW to address poverty and exploitative working conditions in McDonald's own supply chain," he said. "Do not delay."
Just as Kirkpatrick pointed to the human rights aspect of the issue, Edgar also referred to workers' situation as a matter of human rights.
"Choose today to help advance human rights by working with the farm workers whose vision for justice is even now bearing its first fruits in the fields."
