Great News on the Taco Bell Boycott!
In this update:
1) Report from the Coalition of Immokalee Workers on victories
last week
2) an article from the Notre Dame, IN, Tribune
Rreport from the Coalition of Immokalee Workers on
victories last week
In two pieces of great news for the Taco Bell boycott from this past
week, the United Methodist Church voted to officially endorse the boycott,
while the University of Notre Dame, heeding concerns raised by student
activists, "is postponing renewal of a sponsorship contract with
Taco Bell until it receives more information about its labor standards,"
according to the South Bend Tribune.
The United Methodist Church, at their General Conference in Pittsburgh
last week, voted to join the boycott against Taco Bell, following the
recommendations of the Committee on Church and Society. The Committee
voted 99 to 4 to recommend support of the boycott. The full Conference
voted 846 to 6 to support the Taco Bell boycott.
The Coalition of Immokalee Workers deeply appreciates the support of
the United Methodist Church, which counts over 8 million members nationally!
We also thank the strong support of the Presbyterian Church (USA) --
a long- time endorser and active participant in the boycott -- that
took a leading role in presenting the campaign to the General Conference.
We look forward to working with our friends in the United Methodist
Church both here in Florida and across the country for a long-overdue
resolution to this struggle for social justice.
We'd also like to recognize the members of the Progressive Student
Association, whose courageous and determined efforts to educate their
Administration on the sweatshop conditions in the fields of Taco Bell's
tomato suppliers -- efforts that have included over 100 students fasting
over the past month -- appear to be bearing fruit.
Here below is an article on the progress of their campaign to date
from the South Bend Tribune. Enjoy, and stay tuned, there is sure to
be more great news coming soon!
Coalition of Immokalee Workers
*********************
ND postpones decision on Taco Bell contract
Student activists hopeful for change
SOUTH BEND -- Heeding concerns raised by student activists, the University
of Notre Dame is postponing renewal of a sponsorship contract with Taco
Bell until it receives more information from the fast-food chain about
its labor standards.
The decision came as welcome news to Notre Dame student activists who
have fasted in recent weeks and conducted protests at area Taco Bell
restaurants.
The students are concerned about pay scales and working conditions
for farm workers in Florida, where Taco Bell purchases some of the tomatoes
used in its restaurants.
"We think this is a really good first step," said Melody
Gonzalez, a member of the Progressive Student Alliance, a student activists'
group.
Some of the students met on Wednesday with Carol Kaesebier, vice president
and general counsel; the Rev. Peter Jarret, counselor to the university
president; and Roberto Gutierrez, vice president for public affairs
and communication.
"We want to keep the discussion going," Gonzalez said. "Even
if Taco Bell is not part of the problem, they are part of the solution."
Taco Bell is a minor sponsor of Notre Dame athletics, including covering
the cost for a post-game radio show after football games. Taco Bell's
existing two-year, $50,000 sponsorship contract is being considered
for a two-year extension and an increase to $75,000.
The administrators have promised not to make any decision about extending
the contract before talking again with the students, Gonzalez said.
Before Notre Dame leaders decide whether to renew the sponsorship contract,
they want to learn more about Taco Bell's code of conduct for tomato
growers, university spokesman Matthew Storin said.
The university has heard from the students and from representatives
of the Coalition for Immokalee Workers, a group urging more protection
for the farm workers. Administrators want to hear from all sides before
evaluating their positions and deciding on a university response, he
said.
Notre Dame has asked Taco Bell to provide more information about its
policies. The university received a letter of response from Taco Bell
on Tuesday, but it didn't resolve all the concerns, Storin said.
"It's not a letter that clearly resolved the problem. It needs
to be studied some more," he said.
Administrators shared Taco Bell's letter with the students.
The students are being asked to draft their own reply to Taco Bell's
letter and suggest a Notre Dame response. Administrators will take the
students' draft into consideration in replying to the company, Storin
said.
When contacted Thursday by The Tribune, Taco Bell's corporate headquarters
in Irvine, Calif., issued a statement saying the company values its
relationship with Notre Dame and hopes it will continue.
"We believe the efforts of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers
are misdirected at our company as these farmworkers do not work for
Taco Bell, they work for the Florida farmgrowers. We have met with the
CIW on several occasions to listen to their concerns and share our point
of view on this issue.
"The CIW is seeking higher wages for the farmworkers and wants
us to put pressure on the growers, but we buy so few tomatoes from them,
that we're not in a position to influence their decisions," the
statement said.
The company said it requires its suppliers to adhere to a strict code
of conduct that includes compliance with all wage and hour laws, and
guidelines governing labor conditions.
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