Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a common reason why agricultural workers, including migrant workers, might be reluctant to report abuse or harassment?
What is a common reason why agricultural workers, including migrant workers, might be reluctant to report abuse or harassment?
Which program was established to allow migrant workers to legally work in the U.S. for agricultural purposes but has drawbacks such as tying workers to specific employers?
Which program was established to allow migrant workers to legally work in the U.S. for agricultural purposes but has drawbacks such as tying workers to specific employers?
What tactic did the Coalition of Immokalee Workers employ to improve conditions for tomato field workers in Florida?
What tactic did the Coalition of Immokalee Workers employ to improve conditions for tomato field workers in Florida?
Why is monitoring workplace safety in California's agriculture sector particularly challenging?
Why is monitoring workplace safety in California's agriculture sector particularly challenging?
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What is a documented case of extreme exploitation and abuse experienced by H-2A workers?
What is a documented case of extreme exploitation and abuse experienced by H-2A workers?
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In what manner did the Schoenborns react upon viewing the video of the incident?
In what manner did the Schoenborns react upon viewing the video of the incident?
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What is a significant shortcoming of the H-2A Visa program?
What is a significant shortcoming of the H-2A Visa program?
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How did the Coalition of Immokalee Workers achieve improvements for tomato field workers?
How did the Coalition of Immokalee Workers achieve improvements for tomato field workers?
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What is a challenge faced by agricultural workers in terms of reporting abuse or harassment?
What is a challenge faced by agricultural workers in terms of reporting abuse or harassment?
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What industry involves reliance on foreign-born, undocumented workers for labor-intensive tasks like harvesting?
What industry involves reliance on foreign-born, undocumented workers for labor-intensive tasks like harvesting?
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What challenges have been faced by farmers due to changes in immigration policies?
What challenges have been faced by farmers due to changes in immigration policies?
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Which group of workers faced exploitation and challenges due to being among the lowest-paid and working in dangerous conditions during the pandemic?
Which group of workers faced exploitation and challenges due to being among the lowest-paid and working in dangerous conditions during the pandemic?
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What is a historical aspect of farm work in America mentioned in the text?
What is a historical aspect of farm work in America mentioned in the text?
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What age group is legally allowed to work in agriculture for unlimited hours in hazardous conditions?
What age group is legally allowed to work in agriculture for unlimited hours in hazardous conditions?
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What type of incident involving Travis Schoenborn exemplifies abusive behavior by farm owners?
What type of incident involving Travis Schoenborn exemplifies abusive behavior by farm owners?
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What hazards do farm workers face as highlighted in the text?
What hazards do farm workers face as highlighted in the text?
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Which industry experienced labor shortages leading to crops rotting in fields due to changes in immigration policies?
Which industry experienced labor shortages leading to crops rotting in fields due to changes in immigration policies?
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Study Notes
- Farming is a crucial industry involving not just agriculture and animal husbandry, but also reliance on foreign-born, undocumented workers for labor-intensive tasks like harvesting.
- Majority of hired farm laborers in the US are foreign-born, with many being undocumented, leading to challenges and exploitation in the industry.
- Changes in immigration policies have made it difficult for farmers to find workers, resulting in crops rotting in fields and extreme measures like giving away produce due to labor shortages.
- Farm workers, deemed essential during the pandemic, are among the lowest-paid and work in dangerous conditions, highlighted by incidents like toiling near wildfires.
- The history of farm work in America is rooted in exploitation, with farm workers historically excluded from basic labor protections, even child labor laws.
- Children as young as 12 are legally allowed to work in agriculture for unlimited hours in hazardous conditions, exposing them to dangers at a young age.
- Farm workers face high rates of fatal on-the-job injuries, along with exposure to extreme heat, dangerous machinery, poor air quality, and pesticides, emphasizing the need for improved protections and rights in the industry.- Farm owners can be abusive employers, as shown in a specific incident involving Travis Schoenborn at EDS Schoenborn Orchard.
- Travis Schoenborn, the son of farm owners David and Valerie Schoenborn, was recorded using offensive and derogatory language towards a worker.
- When confronted with the video of the incident, the Schoenborns blamed the migrant worker and did not offer a direct apology.
- Enforcement of labor laws in agriculture can be challenging, with California having a severe understaffing issue in monitoring workplace safety.
- Some farms use "farm labor contractors" to hire workers, leading to violations of federal employment laws.
- Agricultural workers, including migrant workers, often face reluctance to report abuse or harassment due to fear of consequences.
- The H-2A Visa program was created to allow migrant workers to legally enter the U.S. for agricultural work, but it has shortcomings like tying workers to employers.
- H-2A workers have reported substandard living conditions, such as old houses with no heating and overcrowded, dirty trailers.
- Cases of extreme exploitation and abuse of H-2A workers, including being sold to others, have been documented, leading to comparisons to modern-day slavery.
- The Coalition of Immokalee Workers successfully improved conditions for tomato field workers in Florida through campaigns targeting big-name buyers like Taco Bell and Walmart.
- Farm workers deserve better protections under labor laws and potentially a path to citizenship for their contributions to the country.
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Description
Explore the challenges faced by farm workers in the United States, including exploitation, hazardous conditions, lack of labor protections, and the impact of immigration policies on the industry. Learn about efforts to improve working conditions and advocate for the rights of agricultural workers.
