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U.S. State Department recognizes Laura Germino of CIW as antitrafficking “hero”

A man and two women talk

Laura Germino in black, facing camera. Photo courtesy of CIW.

Ten years ago, with the passage in Congress of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (the law used to bring criminal charges of slavery against employers in the U.S. today), the U.S. State Department began issuing a yearly report on trends in international slavery and efforts to combat it, called the “Trafficking in Persons” (TIP) report.

As part of the annual TIP report release, the State Department recognizes the efforts of a handful of individuals from around the world who have shown extraordinary commitment and leadership in the fight against slavery, TIP “Heroes” as the State Department calls them.

This year, Laura Germino, the CIW’s Anti-Slavery Campaign coordinator, has been chosen to receive this terrific distinction, and when she does, she will be the first U.S.-based recipient to receive the recognition. Further, the State Department has requested that the CIW's Modern-Day Slavery Museum serve as the backdrop for the 2010 TIP report ceremony.

Read the full story.

Learn more about the PC(USA)’s efforts against human trafficking.

The prophet Isaiah reminds us that God desires we “let the oppressed go free and break every yoke” (Isaiah 58:6b). We give thanks for Laura and the work of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, for the thousands of farmworkers they have assisted and the way in which they have helped the PC(USA) bear witness to God’s intention of well-being for all people.


An elderly man walks in protest of Publix

Photo courtesy of Jacque-Jean Tiziou.

Email Publix CEO: Work with CIW!

April 2010 – We invite you to send an e-mail today to Publix Super Markets urging them to finally work with the CIW to improve wages and conditions for Florida tomato pickers. For more than a year, Florida-based Publix, one of the 10 largest private companies in the country, has resisted joining in the growing movement for fair food.

On Friday, April 16, hundreds of farmworkers and supporters will embark on the Farmworker Freedom March from Tampa to Publix’s headquarters in Lakeland, Florida. Send Publix CEO Mr. Ed Crenshaw an email to express your support for the Farmworker Freedom March. If you can't join us for next week’s march, this e-mail action is a great way to make your voice heard in the growing chorus for farmworker dignity. And if you will be coming, you can let Publix know that in your email!


CIW, Aramark Forge Agreement

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April 2010 – As mobilization continues for the Farmworker Freedom March to Lakeland, Fla., headquarters of Publix April 16-18, the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and Aramark Corporation have announced they’ve forged a fair food agreement to advance the human rights of farmworkers. The Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Rev. Gradye Parsons has released a statement commending the principals.

Aramark joins seven other major retail corporations that are working with the CIW to address modern-day slavery and end the conditions in which it flourishes: poverty and farmworker powerlessness. The agreement features the hallmark zero-tolerance policy for slavery by which Aramark guarantees it will cut off purchases from growers who have used slave labor to harvest tomatoes. Aramark also will pay a penny per pound increase to farmworkers harvesting tomatoes for its Florida suppliers to dramatically and immediately improve their wages. Now let’s get Publix, Sodexo, Kroger and Ahold  to do the same!

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