Protesters picket new Publix in support of farmworkers

Two dozen people chanted slogans and waved signs near a new Publix supermarket in Tampa Palms today in an effort to draw attention to working conditions in the state's tomato industry, organizers said.

Volunteers with Tampa Bay Fair Food said they were protesting the Lakeland-based chain for refusing to negotiate an agreement to pay farmworkers an extra penny for every pound of tomatoes they pick.

"Publix has earned a reputation for being involved in the community," said Heather Vega, an organizer of Tampa Bay Fair Food. ""We think this is another way for Publix to add to its list of good acts."

Vega's organization is associated with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, a farmworker association that has staged protests and marches against Publix in the past over the issue.

Organizers say they want Publix to ante up an extra penny a pound for tomatoes, with the money going directly to pickers. The process, already adopted by other large retailers, including four global fast-food restaurants, allows an independent audit to ensure the farmworkers get that cent.

The agreement also calls for Publix to break ties with suppliers who abuse workers.

The protest began shortly after 5 p.m. on the northwest corner of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and Tampa Palms Boulevard West. The intersection is near the entrance to City Plaza at Tampa Palms shopping center, where Publix opened its newest store today. The newly rebuilt store replaced a smaller outlet torn down in January.

Vega said the protestors wanted to make their presence known on Publix's special day.

Publix spokesman Shannon Patten said Wednesday that company officials were aware of the planned protest, but were focusing on the store's opening.

Publix officials previously have said farmworkers' complaints should be addressed to growers and suppliers who set the price for tomatoes, not the retailers.

Vega and Sharon Samek, an attorney and New Tampa resident who participated in the protest, said Publix has a responsibility to make sure farmworkers are treated humanely and receive a living wage. It's retailers who profit the most from the pickers' labor, they said.

"I think it's about a living wage," said Samek, an organizer of the New Tampa Democrats organization. "I think if more people in New Tampa knew about the issue, they would care.

"We are not saying boycott Publix, but go in the store and ask the manager to do the right thing."

To learn more about the coalition, go to www.ciw-online.org.