AMERICAN GI FORUM

RUDY ESCALANTE CHAPTER

RESOLUTION

FARMWORKER DEATHS  

Whereas, farm workers are dying in the fields due to hypothermia, dehydration and exhaustion, and;

Whereas, we can send astronauts to outer space, to the moon in space suits to protect them from radiation and other life-threatening elements, and;

Whereas, we could find water, a life sustaining element, in the planet Mars, and;

Whereas, farm workers are working in the fields picking our fruit and vegetables in over 100 degree weather and in severe death causing conditions, and;

Whereas, farm owners, contractors and employers in the agriculture industry are liable for assisting the farm worker with proper clothing attire, nutritious beverages, and sun-block and any protective gear, tools, etc., in order to prevent hypothermia, dehydration and exhaustion, so that the farm worker can  exercise the duties of his or her job to gather the food for our tables, and;

Whereas, current technology and advanced scientific measures to prevent hypothermia, dehydration, and exhaustion needs to be researched developed and funded, and;

Whereas, farm workers health and safety rights are being ignored in violation of California Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA) law,

Now therefore, be it resolved that the American GI Forum Rudy Escalante Chapter and the American GI Forum of California supports, promotes, and seeks funding in support of scientific and medical research to assist the farm workers’ health and safety and prevent deaths from hypothermia, dehydration, and exhaustion,

Be it further resolved that the American GI Forum Rudy Escalante Chapter and the American GI Forum of California partner with the United Farm Workers (UFW), California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA), National Council of La Raza (NCLR), and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) National Health Commission to ensure enforcement of existing safety Laws in the fields and the development of better technology to prevent the unnecessary deaths of farm workers.

Que Vivan Los Farm Workers de America!

Adopted by the American GI Forum of California at its State Convention in the City of Sacramento, California on June 13, 2009