The University of Notre Dame postponed the renewal of its Taco Bell sponsorship contract, pending the receipt of information about Taco Bell’s labor standards. A number of Notre Dame student activists have fasted to protest pay scales and working conditions for farm workers in Florida, where Taco Bell purchases some of the tomatoes used its restaurants. Notre Dame has asked Taco Bell to provide more information about its policies. Taco Bell apparently responded with a letter, but Notre Dame said that not all of its concerns were resolved. Taco Bell issued a statement saying, “We believe the efforts of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers are misdirected at our company as these farm workers do not work for Taco Bell, they work for the Florida farm growers. We have met with the CIW on several occasions to listen to their concerns and share our point of view on this issue. The CIW is seeking higher wages for the farm workers and wants to put pressure on the growers, but we buy so few tomatoes from them that we are not in a position to influence their decisions.” Taco Bell also said it requires its suppliers to adhere to a strict code of conduct including compliance with all wage and hour laws and guidelines governing labor conditions.
Posted by franchiselawblog at May 4, 2004 04:04 PM