Leaders suspect that bigger agribusinesses in the area, that have deep political ties, are obstructing progress and stopping some more compact farmers from accommodating their requirements.
The bigger farmers in the area, he stated, have powerful government connections, and that he expressed concerns about further efforts to silence him yet others prepared to accommodate worker demands.
“Get out, Kiko Vega,’’ they chanted, mentioning to Baja California governor Francisco Vega p Lamadrid by his nickname.
The strike, that has crippled this region’s exports towards the U.S., shows no indications of ending after growers’ offer of the 10% raise was ignored by employees who bring home normally $10 each day. They’ve dropped their demand from 300 pesos ($20) each day to 280 ($18.50).
Alberto Munoz, the lawyer for that Farming Council of Baja California, a connection of farmers, wouldn’t say which farmers he symbolized when pressed by labor leaders in the meeting Wednesday within the banquet hall of the restaurant.
“BerryMex continues to be addressing feedback from your employees having a positive and significant dialogue,” the organization stated. “They are positive that the agreement is going to be arrived at for the advantage of their workers and also the community of San Quintin.”
BerryMex, a U.S.-possessed grower whose berries are broadly distributed within the U.S. underneath the Driscoll’s label, has refused accusations at work abuses. The organization stated inside a statement it opened up talks using its workers.
Whenever a truck transporting bananas for BerryMex drove by, they shouted “comprado” (sellout) in the driver.
Throughout the march in the capital of scotland- Vicente Guerrero to some government building in San Quintin, protesters permitted vehicles to pass through, however their anger was palpable, fond of farmers and government authorities.
“A happy worker is really a productive worker,” Hafen stated within an interview Thursday morning.
Striking farmworkers in Baja California marched through the 1000’s across 15 dusty miles Thursday inside a peaceful but angry show of pressure after farmers declined to satisfy their requirements to improve wages.
The leaders had a boost when one small grower, with an attorney, came toward say he was prepared to raise salaries for his employees to 250 pesos ($16.50) each day. The grower, DeWayne Carlos Hafen, co-who owns Los Molinos Produce, stated he made it happen for business reasons.
A couple of hrs after coming forward, Hafen stated he was visited by condition personnel demanding to examine his employment records. Hafen, who handles 50 acres and utilizes about 200 people, stated he thinks it had been an effort to intimidate him.
“I’m a rock within their shoe,” he stated.
Discussions ended on the sour note Wednesday among accusations by labor leaders that the industry representative wasn’t forthcoming about which agribusinesses he symbolized.
“We’re farmworkers, not slaves,” read one sign.
