With support for the Coalition of Immokalee Workers’ boycott of Wendy’s growing by the day and Wendy’s annual shareholder meeting right around the corner on May 26, farmworkers of the CIW and allies are preparing to be present both inside and outside the meeting at Wendy’s Dublin, OH headquarters to take the message of the boycott directly to Wendy’s executives and shareholders. And for those who can’t be present (and for those who can!), the CIW invites all to call in Wendy’s headquarters on May 25 to demand that incoming CEO Todd Penegor bring the corporation to commit to the Program ahead of the meeting.
Call-in Number: (614)-764-3327 *This number will take you to Bob Bertini, Wendy's head of communications who must pass these messages to CEO Todd Penegor*
Sample call-in script:
Hi, my name is ____, and I would like to leave a message for Todd Penegor.
As Wendy’s prepares for its annual meeting of shareholders and Todd Penegor transitions into his role as CEO, Wendy’s shareholders and executives should know that I am boycotting Wendy’s until the fast food chain agrees to join the Coalition of Immokalee Workers’ Fair Food Program. It is unacceptable that Wendy’s has not only refused to be part of a proven solution to farmworker abuse and poverty, but has also moved its purchasing away from the Fair Food Program and to a farm where slavery was found in 2013 — so as Emil Brolick retires, I’m joining thousands of farmworkers and consumers in refusing to eat at Wendy’s until they respect farmworkers’ rights.
Thank you for relaying this message.
Over the course of this year alone (not to mention the three-year public campaign and 10-year call), countless farmworkers and consumers of conscience have shown up outside of hundreds of Wendy’s locations to picket, march, hold vigils, and deliver letters to managers; we have called and marched outside the offices of Wendy’s Board Chair and major shareholder Nelson Peltz; and during the CIW’s massive tour of the east coast this March, we committed by the thousands to join the farmworker-called boycott of Wendy’s until they join the Fair Food Program. Since March, organizations and individuals representing millions have pledged to join the boycott. And Wendy’s finds themselves ensnared in their lies: If Wendy’s cares about their supply chain — as they claim in their recent “All-American” ads and Supplier Code of Conduct — then why are they purchasing from a grower where slavery was discovered in 2013?
On May 26, farmworkers and consumers get the chance to share our message with Wendy’s executives and shareholders face to face. Together, we will meet Wendy’s unconscionable rejection of the Fair Food Program — eschewing real, verifiable human rights for farmworkers — with the strength of workers uniting with students, people of faith, community members, grassroots groups and so many more, all boycotting Wendy’s until they respect farmworkers’ rights. For those in Ohio — or those able to make the trip from elsewhere — will you join us outside Wendy's headquarters on May 26? And for those unable to be present, will you commit to call-in on May 25?
If you’re traveling to the action, email us at organize@allianceforfairfood.org for information about carpools and housing on the night of May 25.
Make sure to fill out the form below to let us know about your call to Wendy's HQ's!