Florida Tomato Growers Exchange takes on Yum! Brands mandate
Florida Tomato Growers Exchange takes on Yum! Brands mandate
In response to a May 18 announcement by Yum! Brands Inc. that it has expanded its tomato deal with a Florida farmworker group to cover all its restaurant chains, including Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Long John Silver's and A&W All-American Food Restaurants, the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange is urging its members to not participate in any labor deal that requires tomato companies to adhere to terms and conditions for its employees set by unaffiliated organizations.
"We have received multiple legal opinions, and all have expressed alarm regarding the legalities involved in these types of deals," said Reggie Brown, manager of the exchange, which is based in Maitland, FL. "The list of issues is extensive, and each has to be examined carefully. We have advised our grower-members to not participate in any proposals of this nature.
"We are prepared to explore any legal options necessary," Mr. Brown added. "At this time, we are not taking legal action, but we will do whatever is necessary to protect our member-growers and the Florida tomato industry."
"We have received multiple legal opinions, and all have expressed alarm regarding the legalities involved in these types of deals," said Reggie Brown, manager of the exchange, which is based in Maitland, FL. "The list of issues is extensive, and each has to be examined carefully. We have advised our grower-members to not participate in any proposals of this nature.
"We are prepared to explore any legal options necessary," Mr. Brown added. "At this time, we are not taking legal action, but we will do whatever is necessary to protect our member-growers and the Florida tomato industry."