Written by Elizabeth Rodriguez, Director of Farm Worker Advocacy
When Julie Taylor (NFWM Executive Director) and I recently traveled to Washington and Oregon to meet with some Farm Worker Partners and other organizations, the balmy weather was a nice break from the extreme heat of my hometown in South Texas. The trip was also a delightful boost of energy to see some of the amazing work being done by the people for the people, specifically farm workers.
For decades, farm workers have been excluded nationally from multiple labor laws, such as overtime pay and sick leave (FLSA, DOL.gov). It is common for a farm worker to work 50 to 80 hours a week, often during the peak of the harvest season, to ensure production. Not just for health reasons but for countless others, both Washington and Oregon have passed laws to include agricultural workers in paid overtime.
These laws are a giant step forward to protect the most vulnerable and hard working of their communities, agricultural workers. It is great news, however, the agricultural workers are reporting big wage losses. Growers and agencies that employ them claim the law changes have forced them to hire additional foreign workers to avoid paying overtime. To protect profits, employers are limiting their current workforce to 40 hours a week, which means farm workers are not receiving the overtime pay they deserve. This news, as disheartening as it is, doesn’t take away from the great work being done in this region of America.
While in the Northwest, we visited with Faith Action Network (WA), PCUN, Farmworker Housing Development Corporation (OR), and attended an organizing meeting with Windmill Farm workers in Sunnyside, WA. We heard from the people on the ground doing the work and got great feedback from the farm workers. The people of the Northwest are working hard to ensure their communities set the example for the rest of America. One message we heard that resonated with us is that this work cannot be done alone, and all support is welcome. We vowed to continue to follow and support their efforts, and now we remind you that you’re vital to this movement too.
Remember, the People United will never be Defeated! El Pueblo Unido jamas sera vencido!