How the farmworker campaign grew
A campaign that began as an informal meeting of tomato workers expanded to take on corporate giants. A look at some key moments in the years-long initiative:
1993
First meetings of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Immokalee.
1998
Six farmworkers lead a monthlong hunger strike.
2000
Workers march 231 miles from Fort Myers to Orlando to protest 20-year decline in wages in tomato industry. Tomato farmers offer them a raise of 13 percent to 25 percent, returning wages to pre-1980 levels.
2001
Protests against Taco Bell begin. Protesters include farmworkers and students who chanted, beat drums and wore tomato costumes in an effort to drive away customers.
2005
Boycott ends as Taco Bell agrees to pay more for Immokalee tomatoes, thus increasing worker’s wages. It also agrees to make farm conditions more favorable for the workers. Agreement covers restaurants owned by Yum Brands, including KFC and Pizza Hut.
2007
McDonald’s signs agreement.
2008
Burger King becomes the third fast-food chain to sign on. Whole Foods and Subway also join the campaign.
2009-2010
Coalition signs agreements with Bon Appétit Management Co., Compass Group, Aramark and Sodexo. The Florida Tomato Growers Exchange also signs on.
2011
Coalition launches Fair Food program, which allows the coalition to educate workers about their rights during work hours. The program also created the Fair Food Standards Council, a third-party monitoring entity that conducts audits of farms and ensures workers are treated fairly.
2012
Trader Joe’s and Chipotle Mexican Grill sign on.
2014
Wal-Mart joins the campaign.
2015
Fresh Market signs on.