Farmworkers are essential, yet vulnerable

Latest

The photo is of a member of Líderes Campesinas.
Photo /Dave Getzschman for Earth Justice

Recent interviews with California farmworkers conducted by Líderes Campesinas reveal that although considered essential to the U.S. economy, they are also the most vulnerable link in our nation’s food supply chain.
Among the reasons for this are:
1. Only a minuscule percentage are unionized
2. Over 50% are undocumented
3. Among their numbers many are from deep in Mexico, indigenous (Mixtecos, Zapotecos, Triqui, etc.), and suspicious of all governmental agencies—for obvious reasons. Thus, because of their distinct reality, farmworkers in large part do not qualify for benefits such as unemployment, food stamps or public/private medical insurance. Many are saddled with medical debts, as high as $40,000 or more; and are unable to pay.
But as the rhyme goes, I owe, I owe, so off to work I go! And they do! – despite their burdens, insecurities, reductions in work hours, risks of infection with coronavirus, and growing fear. Ironically too, while they are busy picking our fruit and vegetables, food shelves are being emptied by us, full-fledged citizens.
The long and short of it is that farmworkers live an intolerable and inhumane mode of life. In the midst of National Farm Workers Awareness Week and the advent of César Chávez Day, let us commit to focusing on the special needs of those that continue to put food on our tables, the very workers César once led.

+ Articles by this author

Free to republish but please credit the People's Tribune. Visit us at www.peoplestribune.org, email peoplestribune@gmail.com, or call 773-486-3551.

The People’s Tribune brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: ©2024 peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff.

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Trump’s Immigration Theater Ignores Whose Land ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Is

The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma joined Florida tribes in protesting "Alligator Alcatraz. The tribe says it insults their ancestral homeland and threatens ecosystem.

Nearly 80% of Americans Think Immigration is Good, Gallop Poll Shows

The eight-point increase in support for giving immigrants living in the U.S. illegally the chance to become U.S. citizens reflects increased support from all party groups according to Gallop poll.

Why Did Flash Floods in Texas Bring Such Death & Destruction?

Some lives could have been saved with better local warnings in the recent flood in TX, but federal government cuts to FEMA, National Weather Service and NOAA are leaving communities ill-prepared for disasters.

Farmworker in Critical Condition After Fall During California ICE Raid

A farmworker was critically injured during a California ICE raid after he fell from a greenhouse roof where he was hiding.

Winners and Losers in Trump’s ‘Ugly Bill’

Winners and losers: The greatest upward transfer of wealth in U.S. history cut Medicaid, SNAP, and other necessities to give massive tax breaks to billionaires.

More from the People's Tribune