Though it has become synonymous with cook-outs and the end of summer, Labor Day’s meaning is rooted in the value and importance of workers and their labor. For allies of faith in the Fair Food Nation, Labor Day (Sep. 2-4) represents an opportunity to amplify the Coalition of Immokalee Workers’ longstanding struggle for justice in the fields. With the CIW’s second-ever corporate boycott in full swing, Labor Day also provides a platform to take meaningful action in response to Wendy’s unconscionable refusal to commit to the Fair Food Program, the groundbreaking worker-driven human rights program that’s bringing an end to the exploitation and poverty that were for decades the hallmark of agricultural labor in this country.
Wendy’s participation in the Fair Food Program is necessary in order to shrink the market for growers that continue to abuse workers with impunity, and make human rights and worker-driven social responsibility an industry standard – therein lies the urgency of our call. As people of diverse faith traditions, and as people of conscience, we stand behind farmworkers’ unrelenting and righteous pursuit of justice.
During Labor Day weekend this year, the CIW invites allies of faith to incorporate the fight for Fair Food and the Wendy’s Boycott into the weekend’s religious services – through sermon, ritual, prayer, or another avenue – and then take action with a community photo petition to show Wendy’s that the longer they stall, the longer they delay – and thereby deny – justice, the louder and more insistent our call will be.
In the coming week, we’ll be updating this page with resources and materials you can use to plan your own Labor Day service and action. Including:
+An interfaith worship guide, including a sample service elements, sermon points, and links to supplemental texts and readings
+A customizable photo petition template
If you plan to participate, let us know at organize@allianceforfairfood.org! We’d love to hear your ideas and support you in planning. After Labor Day weekend, be sure to send us your congregation’s photos and a report of how things went!