Coalition of Immokalee Workers Protests Burger King

The Coalition of Immokalee Workers have staged a protest outside the Burger King headquarters in Miami.

More than 50 farmworkers, clergy and community leaders called for ''justice'' as they gathered to kick off their ''truth campaign,'' aimed at exposing what they say are the unfair wages and working conditions in the fields where Burger King's tomatoes are picked.

''It is a moral outrage,'' said the Rev. Noelle Damico with Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and director of the Campaign for Fair Food. 'Burger King and the other fast-food companies not only profit from the farmworkers' poverty, their purchasing practices have a hand in creating that poverty.''

COW wants Burger King to pay a penny more for tomatoes. They believe their pay will be raised trckle down-style. (I'm not convinced.) Farm workers are paid 45 cents for every 32 pound bucket they pick. They receive no overtime or job benefits. Not exactly a great deal. Burger King is trying to work a deal out with COW. McDonald's is playing hardball.