On behalf of thousands of concerned consumers, the A. Phillip Randolph Institute (APRI) wrote to 7-Eleven in October, 2012, asking the company for a meeting to discuss what the company could do to respond to consumer concerns and be a part of improving conditions for NC tobacco farmworkers. Although the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility policy pledges their commitment to engaging with stakeholders, the company refuses to even meet with APRI and other concerned consumers.
7-Eleven letter delivery March 2013
Dallas, Texas
On March 6, 2013, a group of 7-Eleven consumers went to 7-Eleven headquarters in Dallas to deliver nearly 3,000 letters to CEO Joseph DePinto, calling on him to convey consumer concerns regarding farmworkers to Reynolds American. Present were representatives from Dallas AFL-CIO, Jobs With Justice, UAW 848, Alliance of Retired Americans, LCLAA, Alliance-AFT, CWA 682, and Workers United-SEIU.
Police began gathering outside of headquarters before the delegation arrived, and quickly told delgation leaders that 7-Eleven did not want them on the company’s property. Romeo Munoz, president of the Dallas CLC, led the delegation across the street with the letters and their banner (pictures above), and spoke with media and others who were passing by about the role that 7-Eleven can play in pressing Reynolds to guarantee collective bargaining rights for farmworkers.
Consumers will continue to press 7-Eleven to respond to follow the company’s CSR policy and respond to consumer concerns.