WZVN-TV (Fort Myers, Florida)

October 18, 2009

Local group fights for Immokalee workers

FORT MYERS: One group claims slavery may be alive not only in the United States, but right here in Southwest Florida.

Supporters of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers held a candlelight vigil Sunday night to bring awareness to what they call the "Harvest of Shame."

Demonstrators say many Publix stores continue to do business with tomato suppliers that have been accused of using tomato pickers as slaves.

The group marched to the Publix on McGregor, urging the store to sign a code of conduct against abuse, and improve conditions for farm workers.

"When we go grocery shopping we'd like to be able to know that the tomatoes that we purchase were picked by farm workers who were treated fairly and right now. Publix can't ensure that to us now," said Brigitte Gynther of Interfaith Action of Southwest Florida.

Publix has said it does not comment on labor disputes.

In the following weeks, Interfaith Action of SWFL and the CIW have planned demonstrations in Gainesville, Orlando and Miami.