ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION No. 158

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

INTRODUCED MAY 12, 1997

By Assemblyman COHEN

An Assembly Resolution urging support of the United Farm Workers of America strawberry organizing campaign.

Whereas, Farm workers toiling in strawberry fields are among the most exploited workers in the nation; and

Whereas, Over 20,000 women, men and children working in California strawberry fields typically spend 10 to 12 hours a day picking fruit from ankle-level plants, suffer chronic back pain and injuries, and experience the dangerous affects of pesticide poisoning; and

Whereas, Strawberry workers have not received a pay raise above poverty level wages for ten years; and

Whereas, Most strawberry workers have few or no medical benefits; work in an environment where sexual harassment is common place; and only have available bathrooms in the fields that are filthy; and

Whereas, A few large corporations shoulder most of the responsibility for establishing a rational system for labor relations in the strawberry industry; and eight large corporations exercise great control over approximately 270 strawberry growers by providing them with loans, by supplying plants from nurseries, by packaging and marketing the crop, by developing varieties of strawberries, and by setting the prices; and

Whereas, Over 20,000 strawberry workers are tired of these terrible conditions and seek safety, security and a voice on the job; now, therefore,

    Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

    1. That this House commends the United Farm Workers of America's California strawberry organizing campaign and expresses indignation at the abuses committed against farm workers.

    2. A duly authenticated copy of this resolution, signed by the Speaker of the General Assembly and attested by the Clerk of the General Assembly shall be transmitted to the United Farm Workers of America.

STATEMENT

    This resolution would urge support for the United Farm Workers of America strawberry organizing campaign.

Urges support of United Farm Workers of America strawberry organizing campaign.