Shame on ag and its political cronies
In regard to “Enforce pesticide protection for farmworkers” by Arturo S. Rodriguez (June 26 commentary): In a country that enjoys a wealth of agricultural products, the manner in which government and agri-business treats farmworkers is shameful and deplorable.
AB 2757, which would have authorized overtime pay for farmworkers, died a close death. Whether it’s the federal, state or local level, the people that make it possible to enjoy the plentiful and healthful meals are the ones that can’t get a fair break with respect to their working conditions and pay. It is a fact that raising the salaries and increasing work safety would not significantly increase prices at the food market.
Obviously farmers and their middlemen do not want to see work conditions improved. Therefore politicians do their biding and pass laws and regulations, which continue to deny the ability to enforce them or to effectively implement them.
Denying farmworkers protective equipment and necessary training from pesticide poisoning and other related hazards to effectively utilize safety equipment and other related resources, when provided, is a political farce.
Vicente H. Calderon, Visalia
This story was originally published July 5, 2016 at 2:59 PM with the headline "Shame on ag and its political cronies."