Oxfam America

Background


SLAVERY IN THE US

Groups excluded from full enjoyment of their rights based on their identity—whether indigenous people or minorities—deserve a chance to make their voices heard by policy makers.

In 1997, the Coalition of Imokalee Workers in Florida demanded the Department of Justice crack down on farm operations that hold immigrant laborers in slavery. In just one of these cases, CIW infiltrated farms and gathered evidence needed to convict three individuals of extortion, interfering in interstate commerce, and holding people against their will under force of arms. CIW is also leading a high-profile campaign to force YUM Brands, one of the biggest buyers of tomatoes for its fast-food restaurant chains, to ask its suppliers to pay one cent more per pound to farm workers, who work for the same wage rate today as they did 40 years ago.

Oxfam has funded CIW organization for five years. It is one of the most innovative and influential groups advocating on behalf of farmworkers in the United States. "We believe in the right to be heard, the right to stand up and defend, articulate, and demand those rights," explains Minor Sinclair, Director of Oxfam's US Regional Program. "The CIW is grounded on the defense of those rights for people who are exploited, to help them stand up and say 'we claim these rights.' Oxfam is very proud to support them. They happen to be one of the most effective organizations in demanding those rights."

American Slave Wages »

The Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) received the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award for their leadership in fighting slavery and unjust working conditions for Florida farmworkers.
Minor Sinclair, Director of Oxfam’s US Regional Program.
"We believe in the right to be heard, the right to stand up and defend, articulate, and demand those rights.  The CIW is grounded on the defense of those rights for people who are exploited, to help them stand up and say ‘we claim these rights.'"