Louisville Presbyterians join tomato pickers in 8-mile protest march 

Presbyterian News Service reports that dozens of sympathetic Presbyterians participated in a demonstration by over 150 people, including many farmworkers who had come from Florida to march to the headquarters of Yum! Brands - parent company of Taco Bell - to urge them to pressure force tomato buyers to improve the wages and working conditions of farm workers.

Myrtle Bingham, a participant who is an elder at Central Presbyterian Church in Louisville, said "I think it's important to support the farm workers. They're still working for wages that they were making 20 years ago. It's hard labor, and they're living in poverty conditions, and that's not acceptable in this country." [We're happy to note that Ms. Bingham is also a Witherspoon member.]

For the full story, with photos, go to the PCUSA website.

The action in California

CIW Truth Tour

Feb. 25 – March 5, 2004

[2-18-04]

 The Coalition of Immokalee Workers is planning a truth tour from Feb. 25 – March 5.  The tour will provide the opportunity for supporters to join farmworkers from Immokalee, FL for marches, rallies, and a call for three-way dialogue between the company, their suppliers, and the CIW to end exploitation in the fields at the headquarters of Yum! Brands in Louisville, KY and the headquarters of Taco Bell in Irvine, CA.  Watch www.pcusa.org/boycott for more information and email boycott@pcusa.org if you would like to offer support for these events.

 KEY DATES

 February 27

Yum! Brands, Inc., Louisville, KY

The march begins at the PC(USA) Center on 100 Witherspoon St. (gather at 9:00am, 9:30 prayer, 9:45 step-off), continues with a 10:15 rally at the Taco Bell on 1^st and Broadway, and a 3:30-5:30 rally at Yum! Brands headquarters (Taco Bell’s parent company). 

March 2 – 4

March from LA to Irvine, CA

This march will provide an opportunity for you to walk with workers as they draw public attention to the conditions in the fields and call for Taco Bell to ensure its supply chain is free from slavery and exploitation.  Each day marchers will cover 10-12 miles.  You are welcome to join for part or all of the three day march.

March 5

Taco Bell Headquarters, Irvine, CA

Peaceful mass rally of farmworkers and boycott supporters, high profile speakers, music, and great energy will underscore the importance of this campaign.  To march the final miles gather at 8:30am at Delhi Park, 2314 Halliday St. (corner of Warner and Halliday),.  The rally will begin at 12:00 noon at Taco Bell headquarters (17901 Von. Karman Ave.)

HOW YOU CAN HELP

There are lots of ways that Presbyterians can be involved and help:

1. Advertise these events in your congregation and presbytery.  Pray for the workers, Taco Bell / Yum Brands and their suppliers.
2. Join the marches and events or hold local events during this period to draw attention to the boycott and exploitation in the fields.
3. If you are in Louisville or LA-Irvine area, provide needed support to the workers on the march.  Help house, feed (or make a monetary donation), or provide showers for the workers and their supporters.  Collect high energy bars, socks, sleeping bags and bottled water for the marchers.  Offer your congregation as a “rest stop” for the marchers.  Email boycott@pcusa.org or call the Rev. Noelle Damico 631-371-9877 to help.

For more information visit www.pcusa.org/boycott