The Exploitation of Farm Workers: A Deeply Rooted Problem in America

💪Farm workers, who are mostly foreign-born and undocumented, play a critical role in America's agricultural industry.

🌾Farm workers face dangerous working conditions, including extreme heat, unsafe air quality, and exposure to pesticides.

💔Farm workers are excluded from basic labor protections and face exploitation, including low wages and long working hours.

🚸Child labor laws do not fully apply to agriculture, allowing children as young as 12 to work in the field.

🌍The history of farm work in America is rooted in exploitation and racism, with farm workers often being excluded from labor protections.

What are the working conditions for farm workers?

—Farm workers face dangerous working conditions, including exposure to extreme heat, unsafe air quality, and pesticides. They often work long hours and are subjected to physical strain and health risks.

Are farm workers protected by labor laws?

—Farm workers are excluded from many basic labor protections. They often have limited access to overtime pay, collective bargaining, and fair wages.

Do child labor laws apply to farm work?

—Child labor laws have exceptions in agriculture, allowing children as young as 12 to work in the field. This puts young workers at risk and deprives them of education and normal childhood activities.

What is the history of farm work in America?

—Farm work in America has always been rooted in exploitation, from slavery to sharecropping. Even during the New Deal, farm workers were specifically excluded from labor protections, perpetuating inequality.

What can be done to improve farm worker conditions?

—To improve farm worker conditions, there needs to be better enforcement of existing labor laws, broader coverage of labor protections for farm workers, and increased awareness and advocacy for fair treatment and wages.

00:02Farm workers, who are mostly foreign-born and undocumented, play a critical role in America's agricultural industry.

02:57Farm workers face dangerous working conditions, including extreme heat, unsafe air quality, and exposure to pesticides.

06:01Farm workers are excluded from basic labor protections and face exploitation, including low wages and long working hours.

09:49Child labor laws have exceptions in agriculture, allowing children as young as 12 to work in the field.

05:51Farm work in America has always been rooted in exploitation, from slavery to sharecropping.