Publix Customers Pledge Boycotts Until Chain Stops Exploiting Farmworkers

In the lead up to a huge protest of Publix supermarkets scheduled in Florida this weekend, over 20,000 Change.org members have asked Publix to sign onto the Coalition of Immokalee Workers' Campaign for Fair Food. Among them are thousands of Publix customers, who are pledging not to shop at Publix until the chain agrees to sell tomatoes picked by free and fairly-treated workers.

Publix customers and even a few current and former Publix employees have asked the company to join the Campaign for Fair Food, which would prevent serious human rights abuses like slavery in the tomato industry and raise farmworker wages by a penny per pound of tomatoes picked. Many of those customers are also pledging to shop elsewhere until the supermarket chain decides to "do the right thing," as a company motto states. Here are some of their testimonials:

"I shop at Publix exclusively, 2 or 3 times a week. Your position on this issue needs to change, or I need to change grocery stores." - Julia Dawson, Miami, FL

"I am a real 'fan' of Publix, but if I have to, I will take my business elsewhere until Publix recognizes the fact that the company is in a position to help the farmworkers. And I will also say that I will not mind paying more for tomatoes if the farmworkers are fairly treated." - Deacon Kathy Gilpin, Bradenton, FL

"My Publix in Birmingham is a fine store with great employees serving the public. I'm sure they'd share my concern over this totally uncharacteristic practice. I'm sure I join thousands of customers in supporting the Student Farmworker Alliance!"  - Amasa Smith, Birmingham, AL

"The attitude shown by your Media and Community Relations Manager Dwaine Stevens is shocking ... though I shop regularly at Publix, I will be passing until this issue is resolved." - Sherry Schwabacer, Fayatteville, GA

"I cannot patronize an organization that refuses to standup for humane treatment of workers providing their products." - Gregory Mann, Hoschton, GA

"I have been a faithful patron of Publix for 10+ years. However, ignoring the atrocities that the tomato pickers are enduring is unconscionable." - Barbara Relles, Sarasota, FL

These are only a few of the hundreds of Publix customers who have taken a stand for farmworker rights by choosing to patronize grocery chains like Whole Foods who have signed the Campaign for Fair Food, as opposed to chains like Publix who have been dismissive and even mocking of workplace abuses. If you are a Publix customer planning to take your business elsewhere until the company stops selling the fruits of exploited workers, let us know.  And sign the petition and share it with your friends and family. Let's let Publix know their customers won't stand for "atrocities" in their food.

Photo credit: berkielynn