This past week, McDonald’s and a group of Florida growers announced what they are calling “rigorous new practices” to supplement the previously announced (and roundly criticized) “SAFE” initiative. We have responded to that announcement, and you can see the full response by clicking here. Here below is an excerpt:

“None of what has been announced addresses the fact that farmworkers still desperately need immediate economic relief, a raise in wages so that they can meet their basic needs and live free of the degradation that has been the shame of Florida agriculture for so long…

… McDonald’s approach as announced deflects the entire burden — and cost – of social responsibility onto it suppliers. Yet McDonald’s bears at least some of the responsibility for farmworkers’ poverty. Why? Because through its high volume purchases, McDonald’s has been able to extract the lowest possible prices for tomatoes from its suppliers – and in so doing exert a downward pressure on farmworker wages – for decades.

In short, McDonald’s profits from farmworker poverty, and so needs to contribute to its alleviation. Yum Brands has now clearly recognized this and is today paying a fairer price for its tomatoes so that workers who pick those tomatoes can receive a fairer wage. No new strategy for social accountability will be complete until McDonald’s recognizes its own responsibility and contributes its share to help raise farmworkers’ unconscionably low wages, too.” READ MORE!

Plus, check out the latest story from Alternet!: “Beneath the Golden Arches”