Coalition of Immokalee Workers

Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) is a worker-based human rights organization internationally recognized for its achievements in the fields of social responsibility, human trafficking, and gender-based violence at work. Based in Immokalee, Florida, the CIW's membership is largely composed of Latino, Haitian, and Mayan Indian immigrants working in the agricultural industry, particularly in tomato and other vegetable sectors.

History

The CIW was founded in 1993 by a small group of Immokalee workers who sought to improve their living and working conditions. Immokalee, at the heart of Florida's agricultural industry, was notorious for its low wages, poor working conditions, and instances of modern-day slavery. The CIW's early efforts focused on community organizing and worker education, aiming to empower farmworkers to advocate for themselves.

Campaigns

The CIW is best known for its innovative Fair Food Program (FFP), launched in 2001. The FFP is a unique partnership among farmers, farmworkers, and retail food companies that ensures humane wages and working conditions for the workers who pick fruits and vegetables on participating farms. It works by having companies pay a small premium when they buy Florida tomatoes, which is then passed directly to the farmworkers as a bonus on their regular wages.

Another significant campaign led by the CIW is the Anti-Slavery Campaign. The CIW has uncovered and helped to prosecute several cases of modern-day slavery in the agricultural sector in the United States. Through its efforts, over 1,200 workers have been freed from conditions of forced labor.

Impact

The CIW's work has had a significant impact on the agricultural industry in Florida and beyond. The Fair Food Program has been recognized as a model for social responsibility and workers' rights, with participating companies including major fast-food chains, supermarkets, and food service providers. The program has not only improved wages but also contributed to a significant reduction in instances of sexual harassment and violence, as well as forced labor in the fields.

Awards and Recognition

The Coalition of Immokalee Workers has received numerous awards for its work, including the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award and the Presidential Medal for Extraordinary Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons. These accolades reflect the CIW's role as a leader in the fight for human rights and dignity for farmworkers.

See Also

• Fair Food Program
• Human trafficking
• Agricultural industry
• Workers' rights