Food Justice Victory: Chipotle Signs Agreement With Coalition of Immokalee Workers
Contract improves working conditions, pay of tomato workers
From left to right, the CIW's Oscar Otzoy, Chipotle's Chris Arnold, and the CIW's Gerardo Reyes, joined in the background by student and faith allies, at today's signing ceremony at Chipotle's Denver headquarters. (photo: CIW)
Fast food company Chipotle has signed a fair food agreement with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers Thursday, marking a victory for the group and a positive step in the food justice movement
The CIW, an organization that works for farmworkers' rights, has fought for the Fair Food Program, an initiative that works to improve farmworker wages and working conditions.
Chipotle now becomes the 11th company to join the Program, now improving the wages of the workers who pick the tomatoes it uses.
“With this agreement, we are laying down a foundation upon which we all – workers, growers, and Chipotle – can build a stronger Florida tomato industry for the future,” said Gerardo Reyes of the CIW. “But more than this, today’s news marks a turning point in the sustainable food movement as a whole, whereby, thanks to Chipotle’s leadership, farmworkers are finally recognized as true partners -- every bit as vital as farmers, chefs, and restaurants -- in bringing ‘good food’ to our tables.”