UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST LETTER TO McDONALD'S
December 2005
Mr. Jim Skinner, CEO
McDonald’s Corporation
McDonald’s Plaza
Oak Brook, IL 60523
Fax: 630-623-7409
Dear Mr. Skinner,
I am writing to urge you to work with the Coalition
of Immokalee Workers (CIW) to improve the wages and
working conditions of the people employed in the fields
where the produce purchased by McDonald’s is grown.
As you know, farm workers are among the most exploited
workers in the U.S. and tomato pickers in Florida are
no exception. Taco Bell and the Coalition of Immokalee
Workers recently signed an agreement to improve conditions
among Taco Bell’s suppliers. This is an important,
greatly needed, and long overdue step.
But many other farm workers care for and harvest the
produce used by McDonald’s. I urge you to work
with the CIW to address your common labor and workplace
issues. As you know, CIW is an internationally recognized,
human rights award-winning organization. They are currently
working compatibly with Taco Bell to implement their
joint agreement. You are fortunate to have such a strong
and moral organization with whom to partner.
In addition to addressing wages and working conditions,
please work with the CIW to develop an enforceable code
of conduct to govern your suppliers. The Socially Accountable
Farm Employers (SAFE) Initiative is inadequate and unacceptable.
Workers should be part of shaping any solution that
affects their lives and their livelihoods.
The United Church of Christ has a long history of working
for social and economic justice. We have a special interest
in farm workers, people with whom Jesus would have particularly
identified himself. He would have classified them among
“the least” of God children when viewed
through the lens of social and economic privilege. But
as beloved children of God, farm workers are entitled
to an equitable portion of the abundance God gives this
world.
McDonald’s has engaged in a number of noteworthy
and socially responsible actions in recent months. I
strongly congratulate you on your efforts in these areas.
But McDonald’s must go further. Farm workers are
an important part of your supply chain. These people,
our sisters and brothers in Christ, deserve better treatment.
Please initiate discussions with CIW around your common
concerns.
Sincerely,
Rev. Linda Jaramillo
Executive Minister
cc: Bob Langert, Senior Director of Social Responsibility;
McDonald’s Corporation; McDonald’s Plaza;
Oak Brook, IL 60523