Coalition of Immokalee Workers Hunger Strike Has Begun at Taco Bell Headquarters

Converge on Irvine, CA or Support Local Solidarity Actions!

The Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) began a historic hunger strike at Taco Bell corporate headquarters on February 24th, calling on the fast-food giant to pay just one penny more per pound for the tomatoes it buys Florida growers; the one cent increase would double the rate paid to farmworkers. CIW is demanding that Taco Bell redress the sweatshops conditions where its tomatoes are picked.

MOBILIZE your community to join the Friday, February 28, 2003 national convergence outside of the Taco Bell headquarters in Irvine, CA.

ATTEND AND SUPPORT local solidarity fasts and demonstrations in your community the week of February 24th-28th.

After three long days crossing the nation by bus and vans, the caravan of farmworkers from CIW and their allies arrived in Los Angeles Sunday night, February 23rd, to a warm welcome by the Dolores Mission and an ecumenical service by pastors of all faiths.

Monday morning, February 24th, 100 fasters and supporters began one of the largest hunger strikes in US history, 24 hours a day, outside the global headquarters of Taco Bell, the fast-food giant.

While the hunger strikers stand vigil at Taco Bell headquarters, a caravan of workers and allies will head south from Sacramento, California, stopping at college campuses and communities along the way and spreading word of the hunger strike through teach-ins and protests at local Taco Bell restaurants. And throughout the week, solidarity fasts and protests will take place in communities throughout the country.

The caravan will reach Irvine on Friday, February 28th, joining forces with the hunger strikers and with thousands of fair-food activists from California and across the country for a national day of convergence at Taco Bell headquarters - a huge day of protest and music that will rock Taco Bell.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS -- FEBRUARY 24th-28th

FEBRUARY 24, 2003:
Hunger strike began at Taco Bell corporate headquarters in Irvine, California.

FEBRUARY 24-28, 2003:
11am-1pm and 4pm-6pm pickets, 7pm-8pm candlelight vigils at Taco Bell Headquarters.

FEBRUARY 28, 2003:
National Convergence at Taco Bell headquarters -- located at 17901 Von Karman Ave, in Irvine, California -- to support hunger strikers. Main Program 11:00am - 4:00pm.

Parking will be provided. Email for directions - workers@ciw-online.org.

A map of the area is available online.

SOLIDARITY EVENTS IN THE UNITED STATES

Please visit the link below to find out about solidarity demonstrations and actions across the US:

http://www.ciw-online.org/CIW%20site%201/hs%20solidarity%20page.html

Visit www.ciw-online.org for updated information, and visit CLR's Taco Bell campaign page for background information.

Information for this alert was provided by the Coion of Immokalee Workers, www.ciw-online.org.