Just Tomatoes
The Immokalee region is the heart of the Florida tomato industry which provides 95% of all U.S. grown tomatoes eaten by Americans from October to June. Compass Group partnered with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) to pay an additional 1.5 cents per pound for all the tomatoes they purchase annually in Florida, with 1 cent per pound being passed from the supplier directly to the harvesters. This additional money represents a 64% wage hike for the tomatoes the harvesters pick that go to Compass Group.
A ‘Code of Conduct’ was also developed, designed to improve working conditions and give harvesters opportunity to advance beyond the field.
This agreement was hailed by both U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis, who said it was "a huge victory" for harvesters – and by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
(2010) Modern-Day Slavery Museum to End Northeast Tour in Charlotte August 16
(2010) American Association for Affirmative Action Announces Award Winners: Compass Group's Own Honored
(2009) Compass Group and the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) announce sweeping changes to benefit tomato harvesters