Carolinian

Issue date: 4/29/08 Section: Opinions

Although it would be in the interests of Burger King to resort to subversive activity in order to destabilize pesky labor rights groups, spokespersons for the corporation maintain that they have no knowledge of what their employees may or may not be doing on corporate computers and email accounts. That is, Burger King's official stance is denial of any wrongdoing.

Nevertheless it is certainly no coincidence that Diplomatic Tactical Services, which prides itself in "covert surveillance," attempted to gain access to an important conference call with the same labor rights group that is now pressuring Burger King. According to the DTS website, "Surveillance of areas identified as probable locations of illegal activity is a necessary part of dealing with a work stoppage (union activity)."

The spying allegation is another blow to Burger King's reputation. Submitting to the wage increase would be in everyone's interests, which is only a penny more per pound of tomatoes picked. For a company that earns over $2 billion in revenue every year, the one cent increase isn't drastic. Burger King remains unmoving with its decision.

The Burger King Express in the Elliot University Center purchases its tomatoes from a North Carolina distributor, and therefore is not directly involved with the modern day slave conditions in Florida. However, injustice in one location reflects the global integrity of Burger King, and their customers. Advocates for improved working conditions and higher wages should explore the resources on the Coalition of Immokalee's website (www.ciw-online.org), and find creative means to express their concerns with surrounding Burger Kings. Is it important to you that we struggle in solidarity with the workers who produce our goods? "Have it your way."

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