December
14, 2005
Mr. James Skinner, CEO
McDonald’s Corporation
2111 McDonald’s Drive
Oak Brook, IL 60523
Dear Mr. Skinner:
Since my appointment as Bishop of the then new Diocese
of Venice in Florida in 1984, I have had a consistent
concern about the need for our major agricultural
growers and the thousands of farmworkers who harvest
their produce to treat one another fairly and equitably.
I strongly believe that the land was created by God
and each person has a right to human dignity. Both
the growers and workers, as they carry on their respective
activities, participate in God’s creation. It
is through their mutual efforts that food is brought
to our tables and to restaurants such as McDonald’s.
I was most pleased, therefore, on learning that Taco
Bell and YUM Brand, Inc. in March, 2005 entered into
an agreement with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers
which increased the wages of the farmworkers and improved
their lives and that of their families. Of equal importance
was that the accord between the two established certain
ethical norms for Taco Bell’s suppliers.
Your company, which has a vast impact on the economy
of the United States and the world, has been approached
by the Coalition to emulate the above mentioned agreement.
In doing so, the living conditions of thousands of
workers would be enhanced. I urge the chief executives
of McDonald’s to work closely with the Coalition
in effecting a similar agreement which has gained
credibility among the parties concerned. Of special
importance is that the workers are full participants
in the process.
Mr. James Skinner, CEO Page 2 McDonald’s
is to be praised for already committing itself to
better the lives of workers in the coffee industry.
Having set that precedence, I urge that a comparable
effort be made with the Coalition so as to benefit
the pickers of tomatoes and other products in Florida
that are purchased by a widely respected company,
such as McDonald’s.
Rest assured that my prayers will entreat God to guide
your company, the growers and the workers to work
out a mutually satisfactory solution to these major
issues.
I look forward to your reply to this letter and wish
to extend my best wishes for a blessed Holy Season.
Sincerely in Our Lord,
John J. Nevins, D.D.
Bishop of Venice in Florida
JJN/jm
