November 30, 2007 March and Rally to Burger King Headquarters

On Friday, November 30th, people of faith from throughout South Florida and the country joined with the CIW farmworkers, students, human rights leaders, and community groups for a colorful and spirited 9-mile march from downtown Miami to Burger King Headquarters.

To the right, Rev. Kent Siladi of the Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ and Rev. Marta Burke representing the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church deliver an open letter signed by over 100 religious leaders to Burger King. Click here to read the letter, which addresses Burger King's recent attempts to join with elements of the Florida tomato industry to undermine the McDonald's and Yum Brands agreements.

Here, Fr. Paul Kane of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church and Rev. Noelle Damico of the Presbyterian Church (USA) marching to Burger King. Photo by Johnny Barber/ www.onebrightpearl.com

Bishop Estevez of the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami addresses the crowd in preparation for the march. In the background is Goldman Sachs, one of three private equity companies that own a sizeable portion of Burger King.
Don't miss "Penny Foolish," the New York Times editorial by Eric Schlosser that addresses the connection between Goldman Sachs, Burger King, and the sub-poverty wages of tomato pickers.


The worn work shoes of hundreds of tomato pickers trailed the march and were delivered to BK, which has claimed that tomato pickers are not poor. The CIW's message to Burger King: If you doubt our poverty, walk in our shoes." Hopefully Burger King will hear the message loud and clear, just as this woman's sign says- "Justice Now."

Members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of St. Petersburg carry their banner during the 9-mile march to Burger King Headquarters. At right, a CIW member holds a candle during the prayer vigil.

The candlelight vigil closed the rally at Burger King Headquarters as the hundreds present called on the fast-food giant to finally recognize the dignity of those who harvest their tomatoes.

To see more pictures and all the media coverage of the November 30th march and rally, visit the CIW's march website.