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Killer Coke News Archives — 2007 Visayan Daily Star, " We'll boycott Coke products - labor coalition, The Organization of Free Workers–Against Labor Oppression, December 27, 2007
Austin American-Statesman, "Coca-Cola, Indian village in dispute: Some locals say company used up, polluted water," By Craig Simons, December 25, 2007
Warsaw, Poland, Killer Coke's Santa Claus reveals he is a 'closet right-wing paramilitary' — "Ho, ho, ho - have some bloody Coke", December 16, 2007
"An interesting part of the action was the fact that the PR chief of Coca-Cola Poland arrived right on time for the beginning and stayed for the whole event. She was unbelievably ignorant of Coke's dark history so I enjoyed playing the role of teacher for her."
Come on, one drop of Killer Coke won't kill ya!!!
Happening Killer Cola - Warszawa 15 grudnia 2007
Click above or click here to see the video from the Polish campaign Killer Cola - Poznaj krwawy smak zbrodni
Click above or click here to see the video from the Polish campaign The Statesman (Stony Brook University), "Coca Cola, Pepsi, or Cadbury-Schweppes: New Contract Bid to Run Through June 2008," By Adam Peck, December 13, 2007
The Statesman (Stony Brook University), "A New Contract With an Old Problem," By The Statesman Editorial Board, December 13, 2007
"And Zero Responsibility," From Simon in Germany
Coca-Cola: The Secret to Santa's obesity "Thin Santa Claus strikes blow against obesity," By Auslan Cramb, The Telegraph
BBC News, "Did Coke really turn Santa red and white? " December 24, 2007
‘Doonesbury’ Disses Dasani! Coke and Pepsi bottle municipal tap water as ‘Dasani’ and ‘Aquafina’ and sell it to us at twice the cost of gasoline,” observes the fictional entrepreneur Chad Severnson in cartoonist Garry Trudeau’s Sunday, Dec. 2nd ‘Doonesbury’ strip. Chad’s next comment to radio talk-show host Mark Slackmeyer, a mainstay of Trudeau’s long-running feature, makes a point that the Campaign to Stop Killer Coke has always stressed: “Bottled water is a triumph of perceived need over reason – the greatest marketing coup in history.” Since ‘Doonesbury’ is one of the most widely syndicated comic strips in the English-speaking world, it’s safe to assume that the millions who saw the Dec. 2nd episode made up the largest audience ever exposed to such a righteous, anti-coke and anti-Dasani message. In case you missed it, have a look at it below. The Campaign salutes Garry Trudeau and Universal Press Syndicate for this well-timed and perfectly-aimed arrow through the heart of a colossal fraud and key Coca-Cola profit center. We also recommend our own “Dasani is DaPhony” mini-poster as rendered by another fine cartoonist, Jay Lynch, and writer-editor Joe Pilati, who have collaborated on several leaflets and posters for the Campaign. The mini-poster can be seen below. Doonesbury by Garry Trudeau
The New York Times, "Junking Fat Foods in Schools," Editorial, December 10, 2007
Food Week Online, " 'Jury' raps Coca-cola over ad campaign," December 10, 2007
Herald Sun (Australia), "Pepsi party's no joke to Coca-Cola," By John Masanauskas, December 10, 2007
Earth Policy Insitute, "BOTTLED WATER BOYCOTTS: Back-to-the-Tap Movement Gains Momentum," December 2007
peopleandplanet.net, "Bottled water backlash is growing," By Janet Larsen, December 7, 2007
Park Slope Reader, "Water, water everywhere, but is it green to drink?" By Elizabeth Ruksznis, Winter 2007
The Phoenix (Loyola Chicago), "Coca-Cola debate nears settlement
Committee looks to Colombian Jesuits for input," By Anthe Mitrakos, December 5, 2007
The Moscow Times, "A New Era for Labor Unions," By Boris Kagarlitsky, December 6, 2007
University of Saskatchewan Students:
Scienceline, "Is vitaminwater good for you?" By Christopher Intagliata, December 3, 2007
" ...'The way that vitaminwater is marketed and positioned it’s made to look more healthful than other sugary beverages, but it’s not — it’s still just a soft drink,' said Margo G. Wootan, Director of Nutrition Policy at the Center for Science in the Public Interest. 'It has this aura of healthfulness that is not deserved. Adding vitamins and minerals to junk food doesn’t make it healthy.' ” Stuff.co.nz (New Zealand), "Another first for Charlie's," By Jenny Ruth, December 2, 2007
" 'The way that vitaminwater is marketed and positioned it’s made to look more healthful than other sugary beverages, but it’s not — it’s still just a soft drink,' said Margo G. Wootan, Director of Nutrition Policy at the Center for Science in the Public Interest. 'It has this aura of healthfulness that is not deserved. Adding vitamins and minerals to junk food doesn’t make it healthy.' ” Red and Black (University of Georgia), "Students lead protest of Coca-Cola," By Kristen Coulter, November 28, 2007
On Nov. 26, Coke Director and President of Hearst Magazines Cathleen Black spoke at the 92nd Street Y, NYC. Campaign to Stop Killer Coke supporters were there to educate those attending the event. The flyer that was distributed:
See side one of our flyer in pdf format
Political Affairs, "Ireland: American Transnationals Continue to Undermine Trade Union Growth," By Socialist Voice
Scoop Independent News-Health (New Zealand), "Aspartame Research Needed, Not Coca-Cola Soft Sell," November 26, 2007, Press Release: Soil and Health Association
THE MISCELLANY NEWS, "Campus groups broaden consumer choices," By Acacia O'Connor, November 8, 2007
Plenty Magazine, "Drinking Problem: Across the country, folks are working to wean Americans off bottled water," By Dianna Dilworth, November 19, 2007
The Stony Brook Statesman
, "Coca Cola Defends Allegations: The Coca Cola Conundrum, November 15, 2007
Correction: In the Students' response is an error which is in the process of being corrected by the Statesman. It reads: "Students from at least 45 colleges and universities, including Rutgers and New York University, have spearheaded movements against Coke and over 30 have kicked Coke off their campuses." It should state: "Students from some 200 colleges and universities, including Rutgers and New York University, have spearheaded movements against Coke and over 45 have kicked Coke off their campuses."
Marketing Week (UK), "C4 accuses Coke of child labour abuse," By John Reynolds, November 15, 2007
The Norman Transcript (University of Oklahoma), "Former economic hit man challenges students to make a difference," November 14, 2007
The Llama Ledger (Simon's Rock), "Bookstore to discontinue purchase of vitaminwater," By Shanna Gregory, November 14, 2007
"First year student Mindy Isser is especially outraged. "Since we got rid of Coke, we need to get rid of vitaminwater. Just because it's bottled locally doesn't make it any better. I don't support companies with shady business practices." The Coca-Cola Company announced its intended purchase of vitaminwater's parent company, Glaceau, this summer, only months after Simon's Rock decided to stop selling the company's products." The Seattle Times, "The newest public enemy: bottled water," By Sandy Bauers, November 12, 2007
Joseph Murphy Institute, CUNY, New York, removes its Coke vending machine
Here's their statement, approved by the Director of the Murphy Institute: As an Institute of the City University dedicated to the education of union members and New York City workers, we want you to know that we are removing all Coca Cola products from vending machines in our facility. We cannot support a company in blatant violation of the basic right of all workers to organize for just, humane, and decent working conditions. In solidarity with workers in Colombia, we refuse to buy any of your products, and ask that you stop your violent reprisals against those seeking their rights as workers and as human beings. As an individual, I must add my voice to those who object to your treatment of Colombian workers because my father worked for Coca Cola Bottling Company in Asbury Park, New Jersey for more than 40 years, and served as a Teamster shop steward for some of that time. I owe it to his memory to speak out against actions he would deplore by a a company to which he gave so much of his life. Deborah D'Amico, Senior Program Developer, PhD
The Michigan Daily, "Activism and survival in our times," By Neil Sardana, November 8, 2007
November 8 Day of Action University of Vermont gives out apple cider and get signatures We here at the University of Vermont promoted a day of boycotting Coca-Cola this past Thursday by giving out free hot apple cider for students in exchange for signatures for our petition. A good number of people stopped by our table and signed up to join our list serve and group here. Many of the students and faculty who stopped by supported our campaign and others seemed to change their views on coke. Binghamton University, SUNY, New York, Holds a Funeral Today was awesome. The procession went well and hit right at classes changes. There were about 25 people holding coffins, tombstones, signs. To top it off we had a drummer and one person dressed like death (Halloween costume). We marched to the administration building and did a talk, then marched to a prominent area and left the coffins there for a majority of the day, got signatures, and handed out info. Three Local stations came and did interviews and put the reports on the news. We are going to have a meeting with a vending body set up ad-hoc to deal with the issue. Pipe Dream (Binghamton University, SUNY), "Students hold Coke ‘funeral’
By John Jensen, November13, 2007
"Killer Coke, a student group on campus, held a faux funeral on Thursday in an act of protest against the Coca-Cola Company for their alleged involvement in the murders of eight union leaders in Colombia."
Pipe Dream (Binghamton University, SUNY), "Campus gets a wake-up call," By the Editorial Board, November 13, 2007
Joseph Murphy Institute, City University of New York, Demonstrates at the International Labor Organization Joseph Murphy Institute, CUNY, New York, organized a die-in in front of the New York Headquarters of the International Labor Organization. You can also click here to see the video.
Earlham College, Indiana, Has an Alternative Drinks Party Hey All You Amazing Anti-Coke Organizers!!! We're havin' an awesome Alternative Drinks Party with our mascot here at Earlham! We got a pretty good turnout and people are having a good time, drinking lots of free organic soda!
Pitzer College, California, Kicks Off Its Campaign Today at Pitzer we began our petition drive to stop Pitzer from renewing their contract with Coke. On our first day of tabling outside the cafeteria we gave out samples of a local soda and collected over 100 signitures for our petition (Pitzer has 960 students.) We also Chalked dead body outlines on sidewalks all over our campus and left facts about Coke near them. This created a lot of positive discussion amoung the student body. Vassar Students, Faculty and Staff Hold Rally Against Coca-Cola At Vassar we held a 30-40 person rally to Kick Coke today. Present were students from the Vassar Greens, Student Activist Union, Amnesty International, Vassar Green Party, MEChA, and Class Issues Alliance, as well as members of SEIU and CWA, and faculty members. We got some local media coverage as well, print, TV and radio. Should be a good rallying point for us, we are now going to kick up the pressure on our administration and begin working on taste tests for local sodas and juices to hopefully replace Coke. Mid-Hudson News Network, "Vassar College students urge administration to remove Coke from campus," November 9, 2007
Kick Coke Campaign, Vassar College, October 2007
McMaster held a ceremony for the dead Colombian trade union leaders.
McMaster Campus Choice
The Daily Free Press [Boston University], "Students push for clearer labels on bottled water," By Evelyn Ratigan, November 11, 2007
The Brown Daily Herald, “Protesters greet Colombian Ambassador Barco,” By Leslie Primack, November 2, 2007
University of Bath (UK) Press Release, "'US universities disturbingly over-commercialized' says new book," By University of Bath, September 27, 2007
“It is disturbing to see that today’s cafeteria conversation do not center around topics such as Shakespeare or international affairs. Due to the overcommercialization of higher education, college and university students sadly start paying attention to issues such as the following: are we a Gateway or a Dell campus" Are we a Coca-Cola or a Pepsi campus" Are we a Nike or an Adidas campus"” Mr Gilde said that “commercialism has gotten too close to certain aspects of academia" and he believed this was a “dangerous development”. “If universities morph, more and more, from knowledge seekers into profit seekers, we are faced with a development that will change the landscape of higher education.” BBC News, "Coke, Pepsi pay Himalayan fines," September 17, 2007
"Coca-Cola and Pepsi have been fined by India's Supreme Court after painting advertisements on the side of the Himalayan mountains." Click here to see omnipresent ads throughout Morocco. The Journal of Cultural Anthropology, Society for Cultural Anthropology, November 2007 (Volume 22, Number 4)
In spring 2006, the American Anthropological Association and a number of its sections, including the Society for Cultural Anthropology (SCA) and the American Ethnological Society, endorsed boycott actions against The Coca-Cola Company (see http://www.aaanet.org/pdf/coke_resolution.PDF). The endorsement was based on a growing anthropological record of problems associated with The Coca-Cola Company. The editors of SCA's journal, Cultural Anthropology then issued a call for papers that addressed various aspects of what they had come to think of as "the Coke Complex" – the multiplicity of examples, practices, organizational forms and political economic dynamics that enable and index The Coca-Cola Company and the so-called "New Economy" in which Coca-Cola now operates. Their goal was to collect a set of diverse essays – not necessary focused on The Coca-Cola Company itself – that could leverage anthropological insight in helping readers understand the many different ways that The Coca-Cola Company, the global beverage industry and the global economy writ large "work," often with unjust and environmentally unsustainable effects. This collection of essays on "The Coke Complex" is now available, in the November 2007 issue (Volume 22, Number 4) of Cultural Anthropology. Drawing on rich ethnographic and historical material, the essays move from Mexico to India, from the U.S. to New Guinea and Fiji, examining the business and cultural practices of the global beverage industry. Each essay untangles multiple connections – between struggles over water rights, cultures of consumption, and new political strategies of activist and non-governmental organizations, for example – that demonstrate how Coca-Cola, the global beverage industry, and the global economy writ large work, often with unjust and environmentally unsustainable effects. Counterpunch, “Huitepec, the Mayan Hill of Water: Coca-Cola’s Raid on a Sacred Mountain,” By John Ross, September 7, 2007
"San Cristobal's claim to ownership of Huitepec water is contested by the Tzotzil Maya in neighboring villages. Indeed, under the provisions of the International Labor Organization's Resolution 169 (OIT 169 by its Spanish initials), the legal benchmark for what defines Indian territory (habitat) and territoriality (what goes on in that territory), Huitepec is the collective property of the people who live on this land… "The neo-liberal icon that sucks up Huitepec's bountiful water, the Coca Cola Corporation of Atlanta Georgia, is a powerful political player in Mexico - former president Vicente Fox was president of Coca-Mexico before he became president of Mexico. Mexicans drink more Coke per capita than any other nation on earth and Chiapas and its Indians are an important market. One reason for heavy sales in Los Altos: Coca Cola is often the only option to scarce or undrinkable local water." USA Today, "Murder and payoffs taint business in Colombia," By David J. Lynch, October 30, 2007
"A 'Killer Coke' campaign by activists aims to drive Coca-Cola (KO) off U.S. college campuses over the killings of union leaders at four of its bottling plants in Colombia. Since April 2003, 45 campuses, including Rutgers University and Smith College, have switched from Coke, says Ray Rogers, the veteran labor strategist who leads the campaign."
Colombian labor organizer Luis Cardona, protests
ABC News, "Consumer groups bite back on a global scale," By Christopher Zinn, November 1, 2007
Center for Science in the Public Interest Press Release, "Groups Announce Global 'Dump Soda' Campaign," October 29, 2007
GSEU Rank and File, "GSEU Successfully Lobbies GSO Senate to Make the Ethical Beverage Choice," October 23, 2007
Conde Nast Portfolio, "The Banana War," by Kevin Gray, October 2007
Photograph by Scott Dalton "In Colombia, multinational companies’ ties with the A.U.C. are part of an ongoing investigation that is gripping that country as intensely as Watergate did the U.S. The links between Colombia’s political and military elite and the paramilitary group have so far led to the arrest of more than a dozen current and former Colombian congressmen—and now those connections are threatening to bring down the government of President Alvaro Uribe, the United States’ closest ally in South America. "The widening scandal may engulf other U.S. firms doing business in Colombia. Two jailed leaders of the A.U.C. (which agreed to disband last year) have testified in Colombian courts that many multinational corporations operating in Colombia paid them off. Congressman Bill Delahunt, a Democrat from Massachusetts who is leading a House subcommittee investigation, told me he plans to call the Coca-Cola Co., Nestlé, Occidental Petroleum, and Drummond (an Alabama mining outfit), among others, into congressional hearings to explore accusations that they or their business partners also funded the A.U.C. or other groups." The Phoenix (Loyola University Chicago), "Letter to the Editor: Coca-Cola: Student reprimands Loyola's support of a company 'directly involved' in South American violence," By Micah Uetricht, October 24, 2007
The Phoenix (Loyola University Chicago), "Students question Coca-Cola contract: USGA petitions Loyola to consider a more ethical corporation," By Anthe Mitrakos, October 24, 2007
Loyola University Chicago Unified Student Government Association Resolution calling for an end to the Coca-Cola contract at the university (Passed)
India Resource Center Press Release, "Community Protests Coca-Cola Plant in India: Community Files Police Report Accusing Coca-Cola of Water Theft and Pollution," October 25, 2007
Over 600 people marched and rallied against the Coca-Cola bottling plant in the village of Sinhachawar in Ballia district in India yesterday, demanding that the plant be shut down permanently. The community has accused the bottling plant of pollution and also illegally occupying land held by the village assembly. A visit by community members to the factory premises in May 2007 found the bottling plant indiscriminately dumping its hazardous waste inside and outside the factory premises." Pipe Dream (Binghamton University), "Anti-Coca-Cola group mobilizes at BU," By Marina Gaft, October 19, 2007
Photo by Jessica Jakoby "A growing movement on campus is calling for Binghamton University to cancel its contract with Coca-Cola and for the company to be kicked off campus for good. In recent weeks students across campus have been passing out Killer Coke fliers, detailing crimes committed by the company in its Colombian bottling plants." India Resource Center, "Criminal Charges Against Coca-Cola Likely in India," October 15, 2007
Donald Rumsfeld, once president of Searle Laboratories and Secretary of Defense under George W. Bush, along with Pres. Reagan, used their political clout to force the FDA to pass aspartame, a dangerous artificial sweetener, in thousands of products including Diet Coke. One of the following videos concentrates on the dangers of aspartame while the other discusses Rumsfeld's involvement in its being used in food Fox News, "Fox Nutrasweet Equal Aspartame," Video
Click above or click here to see video on the dangers of Aspartame Rumsfeld Aspartame, Video, Excerpt from "Sweet Misery: A Poisoned World", See Trailer
Click above or click here to see video on Donald Rumsfeld's involvement in FDA approval of aspartame MSNBC, Video, On water, thinking outside the bottle
Bottled water corporations are changing the very way people think about water. Though many bottled water brands come from the same source as public tap water, they are marketed as somehow more pure. What’s more - bottled water corporations sell water back to the public at thousands of times the cost. Plastic bottles also require massive amounts of fossil fuels to manufacture and transport. Billions of these bottles wind up in landfills every year. You can help reverse this trend. At events and over online networks thousands are supporting the efforts of local officials to reduce the environmental harm of bottled water by prioritizing public water systems. Taking the Think Outside the Bottle Pledge is quick, easy, and sends the message that water is a human right, not a commodity. The Advocate, "Jazz and Capitalism, or, 'I Want to Get Jazzed!' " By Mark Schiebe, October 2007
 Read the leaflet prepared for Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola's opening
"Throughout the history of America’s only true original art form, jazz has been linked to the concepts of freedom and justice. Max Roach’s “We Insist: Freedom Now Suite” was a benchmark in bringing jazz into the fight for freedom. The very idea of Bop was developed by Dizzy, Bird, Monk, et al, to stand up to injustice and inequality. Charlie Haden’s Liberation Music Orchestra recorded “Nkosi Sikelel'i Afrika,” the African National Congress Anthem, and “We Shall Overcome.” Charlie Mingus wrote “Fables of Faubus,” a song that bitterly attacked racism and “Oh Lord Don't Let Them Drop That Atom Bomb On Me.” "Since all evidence shows that Coca-Cola is a corporate system full of lies, deception, immorality, corruption and gross human rights, labor and environmental abuses, the world of jazz should not lend its name and credibility to Coca-Cola, nor serve as a marketplace or venue for its advertising." the stony brook Statesman, "New Tactics by The Coke Campaign: Phone Calls To Administration Begin," By Adam Peck, October 8, 2007
Read Press Release SUNY Albany, Killer Coke Press Conference, April 2, 2007
The Phoenix, (Loyola University, Chicago), "No Coke on campus, please: Letter to the President [of Loyola]," October 3, 2007
The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore College " Coke Decision Pushed Back as Dialogue Continues," By Lauren Stokes, September 27, 2007
The Phoenix, Swarthmore College, "Kick Coke to present their case to Board of Managers," By ELena Chopyak, September 27, 2007
The Daily Gazette, "Swarthmore College, "India Resource Center Defends Kicking Coke," By Amit Srivastava, September 26, 2007
Inside Higher Ed, "Back to a Diet of Coke?" By Elia Powers, September 26, 2007
The Phoenix, "Campus decision to kick coke under reconsideration," By Elena Chopak, September 20, 2007
" '“[Coke] say[s] a number of things that just aren’t true [said Campaign to Stop Killer Coke Director Ray Rogers]. They try to besmirch the information we put out concerning labor, human rights and the environment,' Rogers said. Rogers said that he is willing to meet with Coca-Cola at any kind of venue, forum or committee. 'Coke will not go head to head with me in any venue,' Rogers said. "Among other examples, Rogers cited KLD Research and Analytics, Inc.’s decision to drop Coca-Cola and two of its largest bottling companies from its index of socially responsible funds as evidence of Coca-Cola’s labor and environmental violations. KLD Research and Analytics is an independent investment research firm in Boston that creates a Broad Market Social Index, that, according to KLD’s Web site, identifies 'the best environmental, social and governance performers.' " The Sun News (Santa Fe, NM), “Stop Killer Coke’s Worldwide Abuses,” By Ray Rogers, September 16-29, 2007
Carpenters Union Local 405, Local 22 and the Northern California Regional Council vote to ban Coke Carpenters Union Local 405 Field Representative Jorge Moreno reported that his local adopted a resolution to ban Coke products from all meetings and events. At their recent summer picnic with 1,100 members and family, the event was completely Coke-free. He also reported that Carpenters Local 22 and the Northern California Regional Council also adopted the resolution to ban Coke products. Local 405 and Local 22 are among ten largest locals in the United Brotherhood of Carpenters. The Northern California Regional Council has 40,000 members.
Democracy Now! "The Bottled Water Lie: As Soft Drink Giant Admits Product is Tap Water, New Scrutiny Falls on the Economic and Environmental Costs of a Billion Dollar Industry," August 1, 2007
Michael Blanding. Freelance journalist and author of the article for Alternet.org “The Bottled Water Lie” and "The Case Against Coke" for The Nation Alan Snitow. Award-winning documentary filmmaker and journalist. His films include “Thirst”, “Secrets of Silicon Valley”, and “Blacks and Jews”. Co-author of "Thirst: Fighting the Corporate Theft of Our Water. Daytona Beach News-Journal, "Message in a bottle: Plastic 'souvenirs' raise recycling concerns, By Jim Haug, September 18, 2007
"The other knock against water bottles is that they use up a precious resource. The Earth Policy Institute reported that 1.5 million barrels of oil a year are needed to manufacture the nation's water bottles, a figure that doesn't include the oil needed to transport the bottles." The Daily Texan, "Watchdog group protests bottled water companies on West Mall," By Anita Avram, September 17, 2007
The Daily Evergreen (Washington State University), "Anti-Coke protest draws attention: The Anti-Coke demonstration draws attention at Campus Involvement Fair," By Alex Schwappach, September 13, 2007
"Members of the Progressive Student Union gathered Wednesday on the Glenn Terrell Mall during the Campus Involvement Fair to protest alleged environmental and human rights abuses committed by Coca-Cola [Co.] 'As an institution of higher education, we should be wary of putting the WSU name behind the poor ethics of the Coca-Cola brand,' event co-organizer Andrew Goodin said." Gatehouse News Service, "Coke protests state contract with Pepsi: Coca-Cola claims Illinois ignored its proposal," By Mike Ramsey, September 12, 2007
"The centralized deal with Pepsi would cover state buildings, parks, interstate rest stops and prisons under the jurisdiction of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's administration but not Springfield's state Capitol complex, which is under the secretary of state's office. It also would include vending rights at the Illinois State Fair. "The four universities that would take part in the Pepsi deal are Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago and the University of Illinois campuses in Champaign-Urbana, Springfield and Chicago. The Champaign-Urbana campus has had an exclusive vending agreement with Coke, university spokesman Thomas Hardy said. Although the universities can still opt out of the Pepsi-only deal, the U of I intends to participate, Hardy said."
ACR News, "Coca-Cola gulps down fine for ammonia leak at plant," September 12, 2007
the Justice (Brandeis University), "EDITORIAL: Drink straight from the tap," September 11, 2007
the stony brook Statesman (New York), "The Coke Campaign Enters the Home Stretch," By Adam Peck, September 6, 2007
"On May 9, members of the Coke Campaign participated in a meeting with administrators, members from Procurement and the Faculty/Student Association, and, most notably, four representatives from Coca-Cola. Also in attendance was Ray Rogers, the head of the national Killer Coke campaign that has helped over 40 colleges remove Coca-Cola from their campuses. The purpose of the meeting was for Coca-Cola to respond to accusations of severe human rights violations, including complacency in the murders of nine union workers at Coca-Cola's Colombian bottling plants and environmental degradation in India."
The Vancouver Sun, "'The end of an era' at UBC [University of British Columbia, Canada]: Controversial 12-year deal with Coca-Cola expires on campus," By Jonathan Woodward, September 04, 2007
"But students protested the [Coke] contract, alleging Coke didn't meet their ethical standards, said Jeff Friedrich, president of the Alma Mater Society of UBC, which oversees student-run clubs and businesses. 'It limited choice on campus, raised the price of a consumer product, corporatized education, and it looked like a cash grab for the university and the student society,' he said. 'This was an issue of real concern to people.' "
While Coke is laying off workers in the U.S., Ireland and the Phillipines, let's remember that in 2006, Coke paid its CEO E. Neville Isdell compensation of $32.3 million. (See the three articles below.)
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Coke lay off 125 in U.S.," By Duane Stanford, September 5, 2007
The Irish Post, "Anger as Coca-Cola close plant with a loss of over 250 jobs," September 5, 2007
Cebu Daily News, "Cosmos Bottling Corp. terminates 142 employees," By Cris Evert Lato, September 4, 2007
"On February 2007, the Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Company acquired 65 percent of San Miguel Corporation shareholding of the Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines (CCBPI)."
BBC News, "Drink workers strike a third time: Workers at a soft drinks factory in Milton Keynes are set to stage a third strike over pay," September 3, 2007
Private Eye (UK), "BAE Systems: Utterly Daft?" August 17, 2007
New Statesman, "The real thing? By Mark Thomas, August 1, 2007
"Perhaps in the Milton Keynes version a penguin has just finished a 12-hour shift in hot and humid conditions. 'This used to be a good job once, but over the years it has changed.' ”
Watch Happiness Factory that Mark Thomas describes
This week marks the 5th anniversary "[T]he Coke bottler in Barranquilla terminated the employment of Adolfo de Jesus Munera Lopez on the pretense that he was a “guerilla” wanted by Colombian authorities. In fact, Mr. Munera was fired because of his pro-union activities. …In 2003, the Constitutional Court of Colombia found that the Coke bottler had terminated Adolfo de Jesus Munera unlawfully and issued a back pay award, to be paid to his family, for the period from 1997 until his murder in 2002."
From the ATCA lawsuit complaint filed by the International Labor Rights fund and United Steelworkers on behalf of the widow of Adolfo de Jesus Munera Lopez and SINALTRAINAL.
The Seoul Times (South Korea), "What Does Coca Cola's Dasani Bottled Water Have in Common with Death by Lethal Injection?" By Stephen Fox, August 31, 2007
"From Wikipedia, on Potassium chloride:
"The chemical compound potassium chloride (KCl) is a metal halide composed of potassium and chlorine. In its pure state it is odorless. It has a white or colorless vitreous crystal, with a crystal structure that cleaves easily in three directions. Potassium chloride crystals are either simple cubic or face-centered cubic depending on what atoms are involved. If only potassium or chlorine atoms are considered, then the structured is face-centered cubic. However, both atoms form a crystal with a simple cubic structure: x-ray diffraction analysis will yield a simple cubic structure. Potassium chloride is also commonly known as "Muriate of Potash". Potash varies in color from pink or red to white depending on the mining and recovery process used. White potash, sometimes referred to as soluble potash, is usually higher in analysis and is used primarily for making liquid starter fertilizers. KCl is used in medicine, scientific applications, food processing and in judicial execution through lethal injection. It occurs naturally as the mineral sylvite and in combination with sodium chloride as sylvinite."
UPDATE to the successful campaign at Simon's Rock College in Great Barrington, Massachusetts
"[Katharina] Kempf, along with sophomore Elizabeth "Bizzy" Davis, had hoped that a smaller, more local company than Pepsi would supply drinks for the campus's vending machines.'Pepsi is not a great alternative,' said Davis, adding that the company is 'not a small, sustainable business.' "
TheStreet.com, "Bottled Water Is Draining Your Bank Account," By Jeffrey Strain, August 28, 2007
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Coke using banned U.S. sweetener in Mexico," By Jeremy Schwartz, August 28, 2007
Coca-Cola (KO) loses international brand strength
OneWorld South Asia, "Bottled water costs us the earth," By Sunita Narain, August 28, 2007
Faversham House, "'Pack your bags and leave' community tells Coca Cola," By Dana Gornitzki, August 24, 2007
Niagara Falls Review, BOTTLED WATER IS NIAGARA'S DRINK OF CHOICE: But opponents to the bottled water industry say increased sales could jeopardize tap water safety," By Melissa Churly, August 24, 2007
Marketing Web (South Africa), "Think Outside the Bottle," By Tracey Wraight, August 23, 2007
Scoop Independent News, "Kerala Confirms Support Against Coca-Cola," Press Release: India Resource Center,August 21, 2007
The New York Times, "Keeping Cool, Clear Tap Water," Editorial, August 18, 2007
Houston Chronicle, "BOTTLED-WATER BACKLASH: Rethink water, Cost-conscious Americans can still turn the tap to quench thirst," By Nicki Britton & Mary Vuong
SRI World Group, "To Avoid Risk of Alien Tort Claims Act Cases, Companies Must Improve Human Rights," by Bill Baue, August 17, 2007
Time, "Higher Education: A Student Backlash Against Coke," By Meg Massey, August 14, 2007
Resolution of the Coventry University Student Union [UK]
The New York Times, "Water, Water Everywhere, but Guilt by the Bottleful," By Alex Williams, August 12, 2007
Graphic by Robert Grossman
OneWorld South Asia, "Indian university bans soft drinks on campus," August 7, 2007
Coalition Against Coke Contracts, "Coca-Cola Kicked Out of University of Illinois," August 6, 2007
The News-Gazette Online, "State [Illinois] Gives Pepsi Pouring Rights," By Christine Des Garennes, August 4, 2007
Food Co-op, Port Townsend, "Odwalla Pulled from Shelves," by Janet Welch, Board President, and Cindy Wolpin and Julie Jaman, Co-op Member-Owners
Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader, "Food Co-op boycotts Odwalla as a Coca-Cola product," By Celeste Flint, August 1, 2007
Camp in Norway Bans Coke
"Graham here from the Trinity College Killer Coke campaign in Dublin.
"I was invited to a Framfylkingen Camp just outside of Oslo, Norway last week to hold a workshop with the kids there on the Killer Coke campaign. The main ages expected at the workshop were 12-14 but turned out to be much larger interest from the kids and grow to 25 participants ranging from 8-16 years of age. I worked over the history of 'Boycotts' (the word was mistaken to mean 'Boys' only), their uses and why the Killer Coke campaign is advocating boycotting Coca-Cola.
"I was worried about talking in detail about assassinations, torture, kidnapping and violence in Colombia but the kids really connected with the issues. In particular the story about a union leader's son being kidnapped by the paramilitaries connected with them on child protection issues.
"The kids broke into smaller groups and worked on an Action for the campaign and put together a hand-paint petition [see photo above] and got the Kiosk on the camp to withdraw its Coke products and not restock Coke for at least the duration of their camp. The small demo and petition was covered by the Norwegian press with photographers on the camp of 300 children from the UK, Norway and Finland."
Link to article in Norwegian(Killer Coke info at bottom of article)
Business Week, "Best Global Brands: How five names in this year's rankings staged their turnarounds," By David Kiley, August 6, 2007
EarthTimes.org, "Coca-Cola Workers in Oceanside Choose Teamsters Union," Press Release, Teamsters Local 683, August 3, 2007
ABC News ran a story as a part of their Caffeine Nation series: "Are you addicted to Diet Soda?" The piece stated that a "new
study suggests too much diet soda could mean health risks."
ABC News, "Caffeine Nation: Are You Addicted to Diet Soda?"
International Environmental Law Research Centre, "Legal Implications of Plachimada: A Case Study," By Sujith Koonan, May 2007
The New York Times, "In Praise of Tap Water," Editorial, August 1, 2007
Sky News, "Workers Take The Fizz Out Of Coke," July 26, 2007
National Resources Defense Council, "Bottled Water: Pure Drink or Pure Hype?"
Newsday, "[New York] City seeks to pul Penn & Teller, "The Truth About Bottled Water," June 30, 2007
Newsweek MSNBC, "Environment: A Good Drink at the Sink," July 2-9, 2007
Tap Water vs. Bottled Water
MSNBC (Associated Press), "S.F. mayor bans bottled water at city offices: Global warming and saving taxpayer money cited as reasons," June 25, 2007
News Release, "Coca-Cola Suffers Two Big Setbacks in SRI Community: The Coca-Cola Company & Coca-Cola Enterprises Deemed Not Socially Responsible," Campaign to Stop Killer Coke, July 11, 2007
"After sending out this News Release, we received the followinng information from KLD about a third major setback for Coke in the SRI community: 'I have confirmed that Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated was on the BMSI last year but was removed this year...as was CCE.' " Political Affairs, "TIAA-CREF Says Coca-Cola not Socially Responsible," August 14, 2007
Star Tribune, "U pops the age-old question: Coke or Pepsi?" By Jeff Shelman, July 5, 2007
OneWorld South Asia, "Stop corporate human rights violations, says ActionAid," July 5, 2007
India Resource Center, "Coca-Cola Undermines UN Global Compact: Keynote at Leaders Summit Mocks Corporate Social Responsibility," July 4, 2007
The Campaign to Stop Killer Coke stated on April 17, 2006, "In another UN-related public relations scam, Coca-Cola announced in mid-March [2006] that it had signed on to the UN Global Compact, which has been described by its senior officer, Gavin Power, as 'a voluntary initiative to promote and advance a principles-based approach to corporate responsibility.' Mr. Power added: 'It is not a regulatory body nor monitoring instrument… The Global Compact is not a club for "perfect companies," if such organizations even exist. It is a platform for companies to work on universal principles and related challenging issues and improve their performance over time.' “ 'The Global Compact is another public relations vehicle for imperfect companies,' said Ray Rogers. 'Nothing is expected of them nor do they expect to do anything to become perfect or even respectable.' ” Law.com, "Plaintiffs' Expert: Coke Cost Investors $1.3 Billion -- Shareholders say damages resulted from 'channel stuffing' to inflate stock prices artificially," By R. Robin McDonald, July 2, 2007
Demonstration at The World of Coke during
Demonstration at The World of Coke during India Resource Center Press Release, "Major Protest at Coke Museum in Atlanta: Activists Reject Museum as 'Fairy Tale' Land," June 29, 2007
Jim Hightower, "Why Not Drink 'Local?'," June 29, 2007
Post-Bulletin (Rochester MN), "FOR WED Franciscans: Corporations bilk communities of water supply," By Jeff Hansel, July 3, 2007
Campaign to Stop Killer Coke, "Coca-Cola's Crimes and Misconduct to be Highlighted at U.S. Social Forum: Ray Rogers to join Poor People's March on Coca-Cola," June 27, 2007
Jobs with Jusitice, "Tell Coca-Cola to Stop Worker & Environmental Abuses," Petition
The Zero Coke Movement
"All this in a world where one person in five has ZERO access to clean drinking water." Press Release, COALITION AGAINST COKE CONTRACTS (CACC), University of Illinois, "Even as the current contract expires, University of Illinois continues to evade real questions," June 30, 2007
Demonstration in Italy, "Killer Coca - Contestazione alla Coop," January 13, 2006 Click here to Watch Video Die-in in Italy (2003), "Die in alla COOP per il boicottaggio alla Coca Cola (2003)" Click here for video International Herald Tribune, "U.S. companies tied to Colombia labor activist murders at House hearing," Associated Press, June 28, 2007
Monsters & Critics: Tech News: Coca Cola in a fizz about Sprite Yard," By Stevie Smith, June 12, 2007
The Wall Street Journal, "Coca-Cola to Launch Teen Networking Site," June 7, 2oo7
The New York Times, "A thirst for Sprite in teen cellphone users," By Louise Story, June 7, 2007
An article in San Francisco Chronicle on April 7, 2006 stated:
Campaign to Stop Killer Coke, "Comment on the two following articles re: Colombia removed from the ILO list of 25 countries of concern for labor"
The Campaign wrote then: "The ILO's very structure favors corporate interests. The ILO is made up of 28 representatives of governments, 14 from employers and 14 from labor. Labor observers and advocates who are familiar with the ILO say it's heavily skewed against workers, since most government representatives align themselves with the employers." With only a quarter of the votes, there was no way for labor to get its agenda passed – most governments align with employers.
The two following articles indicate that our analysis has been correct. Director of Global Labor Relations and Workplace Accountability Ed Potter, is the head spokesperson for the entire Employers’ Group, a powerful position within the ILO structure to promote the interests of big business and thus the interests of Coca-Cola. Because of the inequitable structure of the ILO and the strong position of Potter within the body, he was able to “veto” the decision to place Colombia on the list of 25 countries of concern for labor.
Potter clearly has a great deal of influence over decisions made by the ILO and University of Michigan CFO Tim Slottow.
Resources:
The Sydney Morning Herald, "Hockey's attack on union boss debunked,: By Mark Davis, June 6, 2007
Guerilla News Network, "Things go worse with Coke," By Center for Media and Democracy, June 6, 2007
"However, the ACTU’s international officer, Alison Tate, said that while the international unions had Colombia at the top of their list, it was effectively vetoed by the representatives from the International Organisation of Employers (IOE). Tate told The Sydney Morning Herald that the IOE representative in the negotiations was the Coca-Cola Company’s Director of Global Labour relations, Ed Potter. The Killer Coke campaign has identified numerous union leaders and workers from Coca-Cola’s Colombian bottling plants who have been murdered, tortured and kidnapped by paramilitary groups. They are suporting a legal action against Coke and pressing the company to 'prevent further bloodshed and to provide safe working conditions.' ”
The BG News (Bowling Green, Ohio), "Shopping for political values," By Melinda Jacobs, June 6, 2007
Center for Media and Democracy/Environmental News Service, "WWF Greenwashes Coca-Cola," June 5, 2007
OneWorld U.S., "Coke Faces New Charges in India, Including 'Greenwashing'," By Aaron Glantz, June 7, 2007
" 'The Coca-Cola company and WWF did not dare to include India in this initiative (because) the public in India is increasingly becoming aware of the Coca-Cola company's disastrous relationship with water, and would have to see it for what it's worth -- a drop in the bucket,' he [Amit Srivastava] told OneWorld."
Polaris Institute, "The Polaris Institute's Statement at The Coca-Cola Company's Annual General Meeting"
"This award is presented to corporations that have pushed revenue and profits higher while putting millions of dollars into covering up environmentally and socially damaging practices using corporate social responsibility projects.
"...we were able to select The Coca-Cola Company as the company that has worked the hardest this year to fool the public that it is an upstanding corporate citizen."
Polaris Institute, "Coca-Cola Company wins Corporate Greenwashing Award"
Commondreams.org, "The Greenwashing Of America," by Philip Mattera, June 7, 2007
Seattle Weekly, "Make Your Own Vitamin Water!" By Jonathan Kauffman, June 7, 2007
"However, when you weigh the benefits of buying and recycling a glass bottle of juice versus inflicting four 20-ounce plastic bottles of VitaminWater upon Mother Earth, you may come to the same realization that I did: It's no longer your call to make, is it?"
Take Action! Tell the University of Chicago to Kick Coke Off Campus! Petition maintained by USAS
"Make the right decision and remove Coca-Cola from campus dining halls. Students at the University of Chicago have demonstrated that they do not want their school doing business with such a socially unjust company."
Daily Hampshire Gazette, "Convinced of abuses, Smith College severs ties with Coca-Cola," By Kristin Palpini and Andrew Horton, June 1, 2007
India Resource Center, Commondreams.org, "Smith College Kicks Coca-Cola Off Campus"
TheBostonChannel.com, "College Banning Coca-Cola: School President Prohibits Soft Drink Sales, May 30, 2007
"The Northampton, Mass., school announced Coca-Cola will no longer be allowed to sell its products on campus.
"The school's president said the move is based on Coke's business practices in Colombia and India.(Read Letter from Smith College President Carol T. Christ.)
"She said Smith College takes the issues of human rights and environmental sustainability very seriously."
Smith College News Office News Release, "Smith College Discontinues Contract with Coca-Cola: Smith College President Carol T. Christ sent the following letter [linked below] to Coca-Cola notifying the corporation that it will not be permitted to participate in the college's upcoming soft drink bidding process."
Aquinas College, Michigan, Dumps Coke
"Campus Changes in Soft Drink Vending
Chicago Maroon (University of Chicago), "Why I’m voting to get rid of Coke," By Ryan Kaminski, May 25, 2007
"Anyone who actually attended the meeting itself—including Coke supporters—would probably admit that representatives from Coca-Cola left a lot to be desired compared to Ray Rogers from the Killer Coke Campaign. While Rogers was at times a little too passionate and jumpy with his arguments, he presented independent evidence from a variety of sources including the LA Times, Business Week, CNN, The New York Times, and others to verify his claims. Conversely, the Coke representatives patronized and, as far as I am concerned, belittled the audience..."
Chicago Maroon, CDAB to decide Coke’s fate," By Mischa Fierer, May 25, 2007
Chicago Maroon, "If Coke can’t be humane to workers, it has to go," By Shira Tevah, May 22, 2007
Response to Pro-Coke Student Barney Keller at University of Chicago
Chicago Maroon "Coke’s future on campus hinges on vote," By Mimi Yang, May 11, 2007
Chicago Maroon "With Coca-Cola, capitalism’s injustices are abundantly clear," By Daniel Benjamin, May 11, 2007
"While surely no one on the anti-Coke campaign claims to stand outside the benefits of capitalism, we try to be aware, and to make others aware, that there are many injustices in the free-market system. And so, through our purchasing power, we try to help workers worldwide to exercise the freedoms that McCarl values so highly."
BBC News, "Coke says no China jail labour," By Paul Danahar, May 21, 2007
B. Wardlaw, a huge Coke shareholder, said in the 2004 Coke shareholders' meeting: "As far as my proposal on China business principles which I am bringing to you for the third time, I introduced this proposal because I, along with many other socially conscious shareholders, are concerned about Coke, its reputation and its share price. As I've said here the last two years, we seem to be heading toward possible public relations calamity in China. So just looking at it from the viewpoint of the company, it makes sense for us to spend more time thinking about, before we go in, we're spending over a $1 billion, what over the last 20 years in China, developing products there. The Olympics are coming to China in 2008 in Beijing. This is a moment where Coca-Cola is going to be highlighted because of our close involvement with the Olympics and the, as someone has said, as a recognized product in the world. I think what is happening, is that we are still not, as a company, paying enough attention to what could happen in China. Every human rights abuse possible has been committed in China..." His proposal was voted down all three years by the shareholders.
Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), "Federal Trade Commission Urged to Crack Down on Enviga: CSPI Says 'Calorie Burning' and Weight Loss Claims Illegal," May 21, 2007
Colombian Coke truck drivers fired for joining SINALTRAINAL
Sixteen Coke truck drivers were fired in April for joining SINALTRAINAL. This led to a number of workers chaining themselves in front of Coca-Cola FEMSA building as a part of a demonstration against the firings. All of these demonstrating workers have put their lives at risk. These are some of the brave, subcontracted, “flexible” workers who make up the vast majority of Coke workers in Colombia.
Coke CEO E. Neville Isdell boasts: "We have solid relationships with organized labor in Colombia." The company and Ed Potter, Coke’s Director of Global Labor Relations and Workplace Accountability have repeatedly stated that more than 30 percent of Coca-Cola system workers in Colombia are unionized, in a country where the average for all companies is about four percent...and employs approximately 8,000 people in Colombia. Potter has said in a published article: “In Colombia, the unionization level of our bottlers is over eight times the national unionization rate of four percent.”
This is in complete contradiction to what is being reported from Colombia. Coca-Cola considers the vast majority of those 8,000 Coke workers in Colombia to be "flexible" workers employed through various subcontracting schemes, not employees. These workers have no chance of union representation, receive low pay and meager benefits (if any), have no job security and often are mired in poverty. Due to Coke's lobbying efforts in Colombia and the campaign of terror directed at union leaders, only about 4% of Coke's workers in Colombia belong to unions.
Eat the State, "I Pledge Allegiance to Coca-Cola," by Jason Miller, May 11, 2007
Terra Incognita No. 7, "Campaign to Stop Killer Coke: UPDATE," Winter '07
Guardian Unlimited (Associated Press), "Coca-Cola Vs Coca Sek in Colombia," By Sergio De Leon, May 10, 2007
The Llama Ledger (Simon's Rock College), "Coca-Cola contracts to be terminated: Company attempts to keep contracts," By Timothy Cama, May 7, 2007
United University Professions (UUP), votes to boycott Coke
UUP Resolution Proposal Regarding The Coca-Cola Company
UWeekly (Ohio State University), "Killer Coke?:Student to spill Coke secrets on university senate," By Jocelyn Beach Sexton, May 9, 2007
SUNY Albany Demands and End to Coke Contract
"On Tuesday May 1, 2007 Students for Worker's Rights held a Press Conference demanding the University sever their contract with the Coca-Cola Company after announcing that over 1,200 students supported a contract severance. Members of Students for Workers' Rights, including Bessam Sinan, Jackie Hayes and Sean Kite, read statements condemning Coca-Cola for its deplorable actions abroad and calling on UAlbany to sever all ties with such a disreputable corporation. Jim Collins, Anthropology Professor and member of United University Professions (UUP) read the anti-Coke resolution passed at the UUP's statewide Solidarity Committee meeting on April 20, 2007. The resolution called for all UUP chapters to, "press for the termination of contracts with Coca-Cola on their campuses."
Following the Press Conference students marched to the office of Susan Herbst, the Provost and current Officer in Charge, to deliver an anti-Coke petition signed by over 1,200 students along with a list of demands. Susan Hebst received the petition and demands, but refused to comment on her position.
Press Release: Students Demand Ualbany Sever Their Contract With The Coca-Cola Company
Letter to Provost-In-Charge Susan Herbst
Washington Square News, "Dave Hancock," By Rachel P. Kreiter, May 7, 2007
The Stony Brook Statesman, "Killer Coke Campaign Looks to Expiring Contract in 2008, By Adam Peck, May 5, 2007
Killer Coke by Chio
Also watch "Killer Coke" by Chio by clicking here
The Daily Record (College of Wooster), "College of Wooster Students debate value of banning soft drink," By Linda Hall, April 16, 2007
Smith Coke off Campus, "Smith Committee Votes 7-2 to Exclude Coca-Cola From Beverage Contract Bidding Process; School Awaits Decision by Senior Staff"
"No Coke," Created by Rawane Nassif, Edmonton
TIME"Terrorism and Bananas in Colombia," By Sibylla Brodzinsky, May 2, 2007
"A Justice Department spokesman declined to say whether there are probes into similar activities by other U.S. firms operating in Colombia. Terry Collingsworth, an attorney with the International Labor Rights Fund, which is supporting civil suits being pursued against Drummond, Nestle and Coca-Cola, says there should be, charging that other U.S. companies in Colombia have broken the same laws that Chiquita admitted violating."
University of Vermont’s Coca-Cola Olympics
From Justin Hurtt
Hello everyone! This past weekend, the University of Vermont held Earthfest in celebration of Earth Week and as a tribute to Michelle Gardner-Quinn, a student who was murdered this past fall in Burlington. Coalition for Responsible Coca-Cola was out in full swing with its Coca-Cola Olympics to highlight the unethical and environmental destructive acts Coca-Cola commits in Columbia and India.
These crimes were transformed into carnival activities for people to participate in and learn about Coke's misdeeds! These included:
• Steal Groundwater from Indian Villagers Sponge Race which had participants fill a sponge with water from the Indian villager's well and race across to fill a Dasani bottle with the winner being the first to fill their bottle.
• Contaminate Coca-Cola with Pesticides Rock Toss which had people throw rocks or "heavy metals and lead" into Coke products, similar to ring toss.
• Chased by the Paramilitary Potato Sack Race which had participants represent Colombian trade unionists in burlap sacks trying to out run the paramilitaries or they would be shot by water guns.
• Pollute the Groundwater Around the Bottling Plant Relay Race which had participants get rid of "toxic waste" from a Coke bottling plant by dumping it into a nearby village's groundwater. We had the participants form groups of two to transport the waste by a cup, but couldn't hold the cup so they "wouldn't have any traces on their hands."
All in all, the event was a big success having many people sign our petition to kick Coke off campus while also providing information about each of these different events. A local drink company named Vtea donated several cases of their product to help us promote a local and healthier alternative to Coke products on campus. Many of these drinks were given away to winners of their events. We even had our university president participate in one of the events!
Although our semester is winding down, we received much attention from the event and also recently gave a packet of information to our university president detailing the crimes Coca-Cola has committed. We will be meeting with him to discuss the packet sometime soon. In the meantime enjoy some of the pictures from this event!
DailyIndia.com, "Shareholders rap Coke for not disclosing liabilities in India," April 27, 2007
Marketplace-American Public Media, "To do business in Sudan?" Gretchen Wilson reports, April 25, 2007
The Minnesota Daily, "Bruininks must answer for Coca-Criminals: The University must be a responsible world citizen," By Adri Mehra, 4/26/07
The Stony Brook Statesman, "SJA Gains Momentum Against Coke: Student Voices Heard, By Adam Peck, April 23, 2007
Associated Press, "Critics Speak at Coke Annual Meeting," By Harry R. Weber, April 18, 2007
International Brotherhood of Teamsters (Press Release), "Teamsters Tell Coke Shareholders: Picketlines Next Step: Teamsters Say Mismanagement at Coke Hurting Company, April 19, 2007
The News Journal, "Protesters greet Coca-Cola execs at meeting: Activists voice concerns, but shareholders focus on bottom line," By Luladey Tadesse, April 19, 2007
India Resource Center (Press Release in Scoop Independent News), "Coca-Cola Rapped at Shareholders Meeting, April 19,2007
CNNMoney.com, "Bottled water: No longer cool?: Activists turn up the heat on Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Nestle, says Fortune's Marc Gunther," By Marc Gunther, April 25 2007
"Salt Lake City's outspoken mayor, Rocky Anderson asked city officials to stop handing out bottled water at meetings. 'The environmental impacts surrounding the production, shipment and disposal of bottled water do not fit within the city's goal to conduct itself in an environmentally sustainable way,' Anderson wrote.
"A handful of high-end restaurants - including Chez Panisse in Berkeley, the home of celebrity chef Alice Waters - have stopped serving bottled water.
Commondreams.org (Corporate Accountability International), "Questions About Coke's Abuses Still Outnumber Answers at Shareholders' Meeting," April 18, 2007
Webcast of 2007 Coca-Cola annual shareholders meeting
Independent Media Center, "Westchester County, NY Wholesaler Calls for Boycott of Coca-Cola: The global abuses by Coca-Cola are now being brought to light by local action," By Jason Gooljar, April 16, 2007
Miami Herald, "Payoffs to Colombian terrorists scrutinized: Chiquita Brands International is just one of several U.S.-based companies facing allegations of wrongdoing in Colombia," By Jane Bussey & Steven Dudley, April 16, 2007
The Wooster Voice, "Panel holds forum, looks into specifics of Coke boycott," By Chalkie Horenstein, April 6, 2007
Gulf News (The Christian Science Monitor), "A cautionary tale," By Sibylla Brodzinsky, April 13, 2007
The Daily Tar Heel (University of North Carolina), "Activists engage in cola war," By Clint Johnson, April 12, 2007
The Daily Tar Heel, " Coke faces world of critics" By: Clint Johnson, April 11, 2007
The Daily Tar Heel, "Murder in Colombia: the real thing?" By: Clint Johnson, April 10, 2007
World Peace Herald (Washington Times, "Bolivian farmers demand right to coca industry: 'If Coca-Cola can do it, why can't we?' By Martin Arostegui, April 12, 2007
"A U.S. government official familiar with the process confirmed that coca leaves are imported into the United States from Bolivia and other Andean countries to two private companies, where they are processed under the supervision of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to eliminate any cocaine. The cleansing process rids any trace of the drug from the leaves, which are then used as a flavoring agent for Coke, the official said."
The Michigan Daily, "Coke investigations behind schedule: Inquiries into alleged violations were slated to end in May," By Emily Angell, April 10, 2007
" 'It's really a comedy of sorts if you look at it,' Rogers said. 'The ILO investigation and their office in Colombia doesn't exist now and won't ever exist.' Rogers, like many involved with the issue, is especially concerned about the ties between Potter and the ILO, because Potter's involvement in both the ILO and the Coca-Cola Company. 'The ILO cannot be considered unbiased because of their relationship with Ed Potter,' he said.'
PR-Inside.com, "Teamsters Protest Coke Layoffs at Padres Game in Southern California," April 12, 2007
IUF, "Transatlantic union action: Coca-Cola workers demand basic rights and guarantees," April 10, 2007
"The resolution demanded, among other things, that CCE and the Coca-Cola Company recognize the right of their union employees to job security, union representation in cases of restructuring, and engage in meaningful dialogue and negotiations with their unions and works councils over a sustainable, long term strategy for growth and employment."
IUF, "Tell Coca-Cola 'Every Worker Counts' - April 2 transatlantic Coke protest day," March 30, 2007
India Resouce Center Press Release, "Coca-Cola Booted from the University of Guelph," April 5, 2007
The Western Courier (Western Illinois University), "Pick Pepsi over Coca-Cola," By Jessie Kallman, April 2, 2007
Press Release, "Teamsters Converge on Times Square to Protest Coke's Anti-Worker Tactics: Teamsters Put Coke On Notice For Possible Job Actions Over Worker Abuses," International Brotherhood of Teamsters, April 2, 2007
Press Release, "In Atlanta, Union Cites Labor, Human Rights, and Environmental Abuses," International Brotherhood of Teamsters, March 31, 2007
Guelph Mercury, "Squeezing out Coke: Students want it off campus," By Thana Dharmarajah, March 30, 2007
The Beacon, "Coke should be kicked off campus," By Jose Pagliery, March 29, 2007
The Michigan Daily, "Coke has returned but still in violation of code," Letter to Editor by Clara Hardie, March 26, 2007
The Economic Times, "Social responsibility: Coke flunks?" Brand Republic, March 26, 2007
Western News, "Challenge injustice? Let's start with Coke," By Steve Duncan, March 22, 2007
The Undercurrent, "Fresno City College students win a motion to end Killer Coke’s exclusive vending monopoly," March 6, 2007
Press Release, "Unions Worldwide Condemn Coke for Cuts in Jobs, Retirement, Health Care: International Union of Food Workers Passes Unanimous Resolution, March 21, 2007
Press Release, "Teamsters Urge NCAA to Drop Coke Sponsorship: Union Cites Labor, Human Rights, and Environmental Abuses," International Brotherhood of Teamsters, March 16, 2007
The Hamilton Spectator, "The Coke Deal: Students at several Ontario universities are questioning whether Coca-Cola should be selling its beverages on campus. The issues are choice and accusations of human rights violations," By Barbara Aggerholm, Mar. 15,2007
The Independent, "Manchester students ban Coke in human rights protest," By Martin Hickman, March 10, 2007
gair rhydd online (Cardiff Student Weekly), "Students say no to Coca-Cola at Manchester University Students' Union," By Natalie Parkinson, March 10, 2007
University of Kent, UK, "Enjoy a Coke-Free Campus" Resolution at University of Kent Canterbury, UK
Metroland, The Alternative Newsweekly of New York's Capital Region, "The Cola Wars," By David Canfield, March 2007
Park Slope Reader, "Water, water everywhere, but is it green to drink?" By Elizabeth Ruksznis, Winter 2007
Read "Bottled Water: Top 10 Reasons Not to Buy It
A note from the webmaster:
I would like to apologize to campaigners for allowing our Killer Coke website to remain untouched for the past two weeks. I was traveling in Morocco finding The Coca-Cola Co. omnipresent and meeting people who might carry our campaign into that country.
I met students, workers and a couple of progressives who serve on committees to reform the more backward structures of that society. At least one of them was very interested in our campaign.
Below are a couple of photos of waiters in a seafood restaurant in Essouaira (or as I called it, “Coke City”), a beach resort attracting many tourists. The entire town is filled with awnings advertising Coca-Cola and Ciel, the water produced by Coke in Morocco. When I showed our flyer to this worker, he stood on the side and slowly read it translating it into French or Arabic. He also asked me to give our flyer to two other co-workers which I did.
In traveling in Morocco, the first thing you often see as you approach a small town is a large red sign on the side of a building which turns out to be a Coke ad. The red of the ad stands out in contrast to the greens, browns and whites of its surroundings. Inside the town are often awnings with Coke’s ads in English and in Arabic. In at least three of the towns we visited were red plastic tables and chairs supplied by Coke with Coke’s logo very visible.
I have heard that this is common throughout the world, especially in poor countries that can least afford to purchase Coke’s products.
Now that I am back, we will try to update the site with lots of information that has been coming to our office during these two weeks.
Click to see more omnipresent Coke ads throughout Morocco.
Stony Brook Independent, "Coke Campaigners Focusing on Next Contract," By By George Agathos, February 20, 2007
Pepperdine University Graphic, "Risky Business," By Ashlyee Hickman, March 2, 2007
The Hamilton Spectator, "Watergate: How bottled water could drink Canada dry," By Dianne Rinehart, March 3, 2007
Trinity Students Vote to Boycott Coke
"Trinity Students [Ireland] have voted in a landslide victory for the boycott of Coca-Cola products due to the murder of Coke workers and trade unionists in Colombia. Since 2004, the Trinity Student Union controlled shops have ceased to sell all Coca-Cola products. Over 2,000 students voted in support of the boycott – the largest number of Trinity students ever to support the boycott.
"Speaking on behalf of the Boycott Killer Coke Campaign, Cait Ni Dhubhda said:
“ 'This is the 3rd time that student in Trinity have voted against selling Coke products and in favour of human rights. This is also the largest ever vote by Trinity students in favour of the boycott – showing that the campaign is growing rapidly in strength. Since 2004, over 34 colleges around the world together with several trade unions have now joined this campaign. It is time for Coca-Cola to clean up its act in Colombia. This campaign will continue to grow until Coke respects the right to join a union.
“ 'This is a clear message from Trinity students to the Trinity College authorities to stop selling Coke. It is unacceptable that the college continues to ignore the democratic wishes of the students and we are calling on them to immediately cut all contracts with Coca-Cola. Colombian Coke workers have been tortured, intimidated, threatened, kidnapped and killed simply for joining a trade union. It is time that Trinity College ceases to be associated with such human rights abuses.' "
The Vote:
Indymedia Ireland, "Report from Boycott Killer Coke meeting in Trinity,"
The Beacon (Florida International University), "Students question Coke's ethics," By Christopher Newland and Maria Chercoles, March 1, 2007
The Voice (UK), "Support Grows for Coca-Cola Workers:The UK-based Haiti Support Group has backed unions in the Caribbean against action by a Coca Cola subsidiary," March 1, 2006
Co-op America's Real Money, "The Sinister Side of Soda: The unvarnished truth about how soda consumption affects your family's health, the environment, and communities around the world," By Tracy Fernandez Rysavy, January/February 2007
"Real Money dug deep to find the facts about soda consumption and how it affects your family’s health, the environment, and communities around the world. Once you discover the true facts about soda, you may want to curb your consumption and, with our help, look for healthier alternatives."
The Gateway(University of Alberta, Canada), "New complaint aimed at Coke Yes: Ballot beef argues Coca-Cola advertising, Gateway opinion article should be seen as pre-campaigning," By Scott Lilwall, February 27, 2007
St. Cloud Times, "Times Writers Group: Bottled water hurts environment," By Jeanette Blonigen Clancy, February 26. 2007
Sierra Club, "Corporate Water Privatization: Bottled Water Campaign"?
Photo from the Vassar Kick Coke Campaign
Kick Coke Campaign Mission Statement:
Members of the Vassar Kick Coke campaign created a Coca-Cola Monster
with 9 arms, each with the name of a union leader killed in Coca-
Cola's Colombian bottling plants. (See more photos by clicking here.)
The New York Times, "Foreign Minister of Colombia Quits in Scandal," By Simon Romero, February 20, 2007
A report from December: "On 12 December [Colombian Vice President] Santos attacked the union's fight for justice from notorious multinationals Coca Cola, Nestlé and other private corporations, and contended that they are pushed by 'sectors of the extreme left, radicals infiltrated into trade union sectors that are generating absolutely absurd campaigns against the corporations'. In Colombia this is a green light for paramilitary attack and, following Santos prompt, two days later the 'Black Eagles' left a death threat inside the home of Barranquilla SINALTRAINAL activist EURIPIDES YANCE, also targeting his fellow Coca-Cola workers LIMBERTO CARRANZA, CAMPO QUINTERO and several local trade union, student and social movement leaders, as well as defenders of human rights. The Black Eagles gave their targets one week to leave, or else."
Our Action Alert regarding a February threat against SINALTRAINAL leaders by the Black Eagles
"Coca-Cola: Coke Kills," by Vanessa Jones-Brewer
"This is a project I did that was originally intended to be a slide show. It's about Coca-Cola and Multi-National corporation and how it treats it's workers."
BeverageDaily.com, "CCE execs get cash bonus ahead of job cuts," By Chris Mercer, February 20, 2007
Waterloo Record, "
Students vs. Coke:Group presses University of Waterloo not to renew contract with Coca-Cola," By Barbara Aggerholm, February 19, 2007
Miriam Papps is part of the Students Against Sweatshops, a University of Waterloo group urging students to investigate companies' ethics before buying their products. (Photo by Peter Lee, Record Staff)
The Daily Vidette Online (Illinois State University), "Black S.T.A.R.R. protests Coca-Cola's ISU contract," By Guadalupe Rosales, February 16, 2007
Media Credit: Jim Moldenhauer / Daily Vidette Staff
WJBC (Illinois), The Online Voice of McLean County, "Students Want Cola Cancellation," February 18, 2007
February 16, 2007 Double Action Alert
2. TIAA-CREF is Deciding on Issues & Companies to Take On -- Call & Email Them; Call TIAA-CREF and tell them that if they remain invested in Coca-Cola and other companies such as Wal-Mart, Costco, Nike, Altria/Philip Morris, and Chevron, that they should direct their proven record of shareholder advocacy to change these companies' irresponsible behavior. Call and ask for CEO Herbert Allison at 800-842-2733 or 212-490-9000 (leave message with an assistant) More info in the Alert and details about sending an email. (From Make TIAA-CREF Ethical)
The Gateway, "Anti-Coke posters net $900 fine," By Scott Lilwall, February 13, 2007
Campaign to Stop Killer Coke Director Ray Rogers spoke at International Week at the University of Alberta on
January 29, 2007. Here are some of the highlights.
Click above the watch overview (Part 1); click below for other parts of speech and response to questions.
Part One (9:15)
Part Two (4:31)
Part Three (2:56)
Part Four (1:59)
Part Five (5:10)
Part Six (6:07)
Part Seven (8:06)
Part Eight (5:37)
Part Nine (4:50)
Alter Presse, "Solidarity with workers at Coca-Cola subsidiary: Haiti Support Group backs Cap-Haïtien bottling plant union," By Charles Arthur, February 14, 2007
Campaign to Stop Killer Coke, "10 Critical Talking Points," February 14, 2007
Coca-Cola Black History Timeline: Coca-Cola Marketing Meets Coca-Cola Facts.
Associated Press, "Coca-Cola 4Q Earnings Decline 22 Percent," February 14, 2007
Ronald McCroak and the Cadavers, "F**k the Defamation," A song about abuses by Coke and McDonalds, from Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
Foodconsumer.org news release, "Enviga study casts doubt on calorie burning & weight-loss claims, Feb 12, 2007
The Tyee (Vancouver, British Columbia), "Students Spill Coca-Cola's Profits: Campus deal killers cost soft drink giant millions," By Eric Szeto, Feburary 6, 2007
Photos from the January 25 Day of Action
SUNY Albany Day of Action
Campaign Director Ray Rogers speaking at Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
More photos at Student Protest Pics
Yale Daily News, "Commercial recalls old tensions for NFL," By Steven Engler, February 7, 2007
Coke's Black History
Reuters, "Conn. attorney general wants proof Enviga burns calories," By Jessica Wohl, February 5, 2007
Nutraingredients-USA, "Coke and Nestlé Enviga lawsuit filed," By Lorraine Heller, February 2, 2007
Coke is acquiring Fuze; it is now off our list of alternatives to Coke
Vermont Cynic (University of Vermont), "Coca-Cola Making a Killing: Anti-Coca-Cola activists set up tables outside of campus dining facilities proclaiming the sin of the company," By John Meierdiercks, January 30, 2007
The Phoenix, "Coke banished from Sharples, Pepsi reigns," By Rosario Paz, January 25, 2007
Local 122 4-U, "Local 122 — A Coke-Free Zone," December 2006
The Eyeopener (Ryerson University), "Rye and Coke," By Sarah Boesveld, January 23, 2007
Press Release, "Jan. 25 Day of Action: Students Organize Against the Coca-Cola Co.," January 22, 2007, USAS
Video, "State of the Union" The story of Coke in Colombia, produced in Colombia in Spanish with English subtitles
Miami New Times, "Have a Coke and a Trial," By Francisco Alvarado, January 16, 2007
Campaign to Stop Killer Coke, "Judge Jose Martinez and Coca-Cola: Conflict-of-Interest Pattern Emerges," January 11, 2007
Political Affairs, "Judge José Martinez and Coca-Cola: Conflict-of-Interest Pattern Emerges," By Campaign to Stop Killer Coke, January 11, 2007
Campaign to Stop Killer Coke, "Campaign to Stop Killer Coke vs. The Coca-Cola Co," January 12, 2007
Press Release, Teamsters Local 683 (Southern California), "Teamsters Protest Coke Layoffs," January 14, 2007
Hartford Courant, "Cal-burning claims from Enviga drink brew outcry," By Joann Klimkiewicz, January 14, 2007
The Gateway (University of Alberta), "Coke contract raises ethical concerns for SU," By Natalie Climenhaga, January 11, 2007
New Stickers and New Half-Size Flyers
Print out three of the new stickers. Print out three more of the new stickers. Click of All New Half-Size Flyers
The Age, "Coke in the firing line as caffeine flunks the taste test," By Jill Stark, January 9, 2007
The Christian Century, "Is Bottled Water a Moral Issue?" January 9, 2007
" 'It's putting marketing hype ahead of science,' Katz said. 'The science here is not ready for primetime. There is a hint in animal research and in very early studies that EGCG can boost metabolism a little bit, but we don't know if that contributes to weight control.' "
Daily Report (Associated Press), "Court agrees to hear Coca-Cola appeal in race discrimination case, By Pete Yost, January 8, 2007
The Age, "Coke in hot water over 'diet-aid' tea," Julian Lee and Vanda Carson, January 8, 2007
India Resource Center, "Icon of Anti Coca-Cola Struggle, Mailamma, Passes Away," January 7, 2007
Hartford Courant, "So-called health soda sparks vigorous debate," By Joann Klimkiewicz, January 1, 2007
CalorieLab Calorie Counter News, "The Enviga Code: The coming of the Anti-Coke," By Robert S. Wieder, January 1, 2007
"The fact is, if Coke were motivated by altruism or a concern for the public health, the company would simply start producing and selling Enviga in place of its current mega-cal drinks. The actual point of Enviga is just the opposite."
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