(Washington) Governor to Congress: Help ease farm labor crisis

[struggle4progress]

Posted on Friday, 10.14.11
Governor to Congress: Help ease farm labor crisis
By ROB HOTAKAINEN
McClatchy Newspapers

WASHINGTON -- With too few hands to pick the apples in Washington state, Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire says the farm labor shortage has prompted a crisis.

In the Wenatchee Valley east of the Cascade Mountains, apple growers have posted their help-wanted signs across the countryside. And for the first time in years, growers in the state have launched a radio campaign, offering pay of $120 to $150 a day, but there have been few takers, much to the governor's regret.

"We're not getting anybody to take a bite on these jobs, so we don't have anybody to do these jobs," she said Thursday night.

While much of the talk on Capitol Hill is tough, with opponents of illegal immigration vowing to seal the borders, Gregoire said Congress should instead focus on a way to get more foreign workers to help with harvesting in her state, the nation's top producer of apples ...

http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/10/14/2454454/governor-to-congress-help-ease.html

[jpbollma]

1. what about unemployed people here?

Why are no unemployed citizens going for these positions making $120-150 a day?

[demosincebirth]

2. No one but Mexicans immigrants will pick fruit or vegetables 8-10hrs a day. Not

even the unemployed.

[jpbollma]

3. I just have a hard time wrapping my head around that

when I lost a job a couple year ago and had a rough period, I was bar tending, mowing lawns, working on a farm a couple of times a week..ya do what ya gotta do. I am fine with immigrants earning the money too good for them, but sometimes you just have to do things you would rather not do. Maybe Americans think they are "above" this kind of work? If so, who did they think picks all their fruit? The farm fairies?

[demosincebirth]

5. I know some of us will do what we have to do to support our families, but picking

fruit 8-10hrs a day cannot be compared to "working on a farm a couple times a week" You are right when you say Americans think they are above this kind of work. The History or agriculture in this country has always been the White man as the owner and Blacks (in the South) and immigrants as peons. Now, the African Americans won't apply for those jobs. That leaves Mexican immigrants...mostly illegal. What does that say about our work ethic in this country? Don't take anything personal, I'm just ranting.

[bluestate10]

12. 8-10 hours?

I worked picking vegetables and fruit as a child and teen. The hours were more like before dawn to just after dust. The work is back breaking.

[demosincebirth]

19. I was trying to be a little gentle on the non pickers. But you are right.

[jwirr]

7. Have you ever worked as a farm laborer? That would explain why

you are asking. Edited to say that I read you post re working on a farm - there is a difference. I have worked both.

[bluestate10]

11. Try harvesting fruit or vegetables for 12+ hours each day.

You will answer your question.

[catabryna]

4. Not only would I do it, I could...

assuming the day is only 8 hours long. I figure they are a bunch of liars.

eta: I'm 46 years old and a white female to boot.

[jwirr]

8. Who are a bunch of liars?

[catabryna]

14. Whoever is putting up ads that say that...

workers will make $120 to $150 per day. I'm not going to figure out the money trail.

[jwirr]

16. Okay - I wondered about that also.

[bluestate10]

13. The days are longer than 8 hours, a lot longer. Try 4 hours longer.

Summer days last from before first light to the point where seeing what you touch becomes impossible. The $120 to $150 become about minimum wage, for back-breaking work. The economic value of what one of the $150 per day laborers produce? Try in the tens of thousands of dollars.

[catabryna]

15. Exactly...

they are liars! :) I thought I made that clear.

[stevedeshazer]

6. If you have been to Wenatchee, you would understand.

(not directed at the OP, just a general rant)

There is no housing.

Hey, wanna go pick some apples? It seems like an easy job, right? Try climbing trees and lifting heavy crates of produce day after day, hour after hour.

No health insurance, no benefits. Just seasonal work.

So, for 120-150 bucks a day, I'm supposed to make it with a wife and kids.

And yes, it's freezing there.

It seems appropriate to leave you folks with a song by Woody Guthrie:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BH2DJvgNlMA

[jwirr]

9. Thank you. Couldn't help listening to Joanie's version also.

[struggle4progress]

10. +!

[bluestate10]

17. Man. That was good. Thanks.

I listened to lots of Guthrie and ended the listening with Joplin's "The Rose". Awesome stuff, my man. Thank you, thank you.

[stevedeshazer]

18. +1

n/t