As Disciples of Christ, we've worked to support farmworkers for 50 years--in partnership with National Farm Worker Ministries. One of our key relationships is with "FLOC;" the "Farm Labor Organizing Committee" that works with tobacco and vegetable farmworkers in Ohio, North Carolina, and elsewhere.
Many of these farmworkers are on Reynolds Tobacco farms--where they've worked for YEARS to gain rights of association to build labor protections. In 2014, hundreds of Disciples signed on to urge Reynolds respond to farmworkers.
NOW, as the Reynolds company has been purchased by "British American Tobacco" (BAT), we've been asked to join faith leaders across the country to sign a new letter for farmworker rights to associate.
In the letter, we're asking:
- For BAT to negotiate a memorandum of understanding – as requested by the Farm Labor Organizing Committee – that will guarantee freedom of association, without retaliation, to farm workers employed on Reynolds American’s contract farms.
- For BAT to prohibit contract growers and H2A farm labor contractors from retaliating against farm workers for exercising basic workplace rights. Workers who sign union cards, advocate for higher wages, or organize for better living and working conditions should not be subject to retaliation.
Since BAT will hold its Annual General Meeting on April 28, 2021, faith leaders are urged to PLEASE SIGN ON HERE BEFORE APRIL 23. We need at least 500 signatures by that time!
Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II of Repairers of the Breach,
National Farm Worker Ministry Director Julie Taylor,
Jim Winkler, President & General Secretary of National Council of Churches
and so many others!
Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley-Rea, Disciples RIM Director
Learn more about National Farm Worker Ministry and this campaign HERE.
Take a fun quiz to test your knowledge of farm worker HERE.
Find more about FLOC and other of our farmworker partners HERE.
