The farmworkers who labor in the tobacco fields that supply Reynolds suffer many hardships, such as long hours of stoop labor in the fields, harassment in their work, abject poverty, miserable housing in labor camps, and the denial of basic labor and human rights protections.

Each year thousands of farmworkers are effected by Green Tobacco Sickness, caused by exposure to harmful chemicals in tobacco leaves. Many of these workers receive little or no medical attention. The vast majority of farmworkers are not even covered under workers compensation insurance.

The worst injustice endured by tobacco farmworkers is being denied any voice about these conditions. The supply system dominated by Reynolds isolates the corporation from any contact with farmworkers, through a structure of contracts with the growers. Since Reynolds does not directly employ the farmworkers, the corporation argues that any problems in the fields are between the farmworkers and the growers who employ them.

However, Reynolds dictates the conditions of its suppliers, and therefore is in the pivotal position to change the conditions of the farmworkers. Reynolds earns some $2 billion in annual profits, and sets the prices and standards with their contract growers. Reynolds executives, who can receive up to $60 million a year in bonuses, claim to be committed to corporate social responsibility and to the common good of all stakeholders, but they do not allow for any input from farmworkers themselves.

FLOC is seeking to gain dignity, respect, and safe working and living conditions for farmworkers producing tobacco used by Reynolds. History has demonstrated that the most effective way to achieve justice for farm workers is when they have a direct voice through their union.

After more than a year, Reynolds CEO Susan Ivey still refuses to meet with the farmworkers who produce the corporation's tobacco. FLOC has asked to meet with Reynolds to discuss the conditions of thousands of farmworkers in the South who plant, tend, harvest, and cure the tobacco the corporation uses to make its products.

While corporate executives of big tobacco companies gain millions, tobacco farm workers remain some of the most exploited workers in the country. Reynolds CEO Ivey and the Reynolds Directors must take ultimate responsibility to ensure fair and safe conditions for the thousands of tobacco workers at the bottom of their supply chain.

Director Holly Koeppel is a part of Reynolds' corporate leadership. FLOC has asked for her help but she has not responded.

You can make a difference in bringing justice to the tobacco fields of the South. Send a letter to Reynolds Director Holly Koeppel, and tell her it's time for her to help arrange a meeting between FLOC and Reynolds CEO Susan Ivey.