News
Fla. tomato growers decline participation in labor deals
November 6, 2007
MAITLAND, Fla. — "Penny-per-pound" deals involving Yum Brands and McDonald's will not be executed and are considered moot, the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange has announced. Citing concerns over federal and state laws related to antitrust, labor and racketeering, members of the Exchange have opted not to participate in the arrangements.
Growers who sold tomatoes to Yum Brands under the penny-per-pound deal last season will not participate in the arrangement this year, according to a news release. The McDonald's penny-per pound deal never went into effect.
"Our members have reaffirmed to us that they will not participate in the much-publicized deals that involve our industry's workers due to legal concerns," said Reggie Brown, executive vice president, Florida Tomato Growers Exchange. "Our industry will continue its strong commitment to develop and implement more impactful, comprehensive solutions that improve the lives of all farm workers and their families."
According to payroll records required by the government from the 2006-2007 season, Florida tomato harvesters' rates ranged from $10.50 to $14.86, with an average wage of $12.46 per hour.
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