Will Publix Start 2011 Without Slave-Picked Tomatoes?

Earlier this month, a Publix spokesperson said (on video) that slavery or severe labor abuses in their supply chain was "not our business." Now, Publix has a chance to reverse their bad attitude and start 2011 off right by selling slave-free tomatoes in their stores. Will Publix stand against slavery in their own backyard? Or will they continue to show callous indifference towards the workers who suffer while they profit?

Publix is one of the largest supermarket chains in Florida. Ironically, their corporate headquarters in Lakeland is less than three hours away from Immokalee, where thousands of workers have been enslaved and abused for decades harvesting tomatoes. Significant abuses in the tomato industry are literally happening in Publix's own backyard. As a business in the community, you'd think Publix would want to work with local organizations, like the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, to prevent slavery in their area. But instead, they've not only refused to address the exploitation of farmworkers in Florida, they've practically laughed at it. According to Publix’s Media and Community Relations Manager Dwaine Stevens,

“We don’t have any plans to sit down with the CIW because it's not our issue... If there are some atrocities going on, it’s not our business. Maybe it’s something the government should get involved with.”

None of your business, Publix? Actually, when you sell tomatoes picked by enslaved or exploited farmworkers, slavery is a huge part of your business. Literally.

Another lame excuse Publix has given for their inaction is that the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange (FTGE), which covers 90% of the tomato industry, has already agreed to work with the CIW to promote Fair Food. But participation of the tomato growers isn't enough; in order for the CIW's model to reach it's full potential, tomato buyers including restaurant chains, grocery stores, and consumers must also agree that fair, slave-free food is a priority. Publix may be trying to ride on the coat tails of a more proactive company, but that ride is going to be a bumpy one. Protests at their headquarters are planned for March, and protests at individual store openings have already been held and will continue into the new year.

If you can, join the CIW in Tampa in March to protest Publix. And no matter when you live, ask Publix to ring in 2011 the right way — by working with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers to sell slave-free tomatoes.

Photo credit: hyku