NFWM E-News: 5 Farmworker deaths due to heat; New Emerg. Regulations

NFWM E-News
An interfaith organization that supports farm workers as they organize for empowerment, justice and equality

August 4, 2005

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1. 5 Farmworker deaths due to heat
Three farm workers in California and two in North Carolina died in the fields during the July heat wave. In California's Central Valley, Salud Samudio-Rodriguez died picking peppers, Ramon Hernandez was discovered in a melon field and Augustin Gudino was found in a vineyard. In North Carolina, Rito Meza Castillo died 2 days after becoming ill in a tobacco field and Pablo Ordaz died near a soybean field. All died after working in 100+ degree heat.

In California, new emergency rules called for by the UFW & growers have been put in place to require rest periods, sufficient water and shade for farm workers along with education of crew leaders on warning signs of heat illness. FLOC is working with the North Carolina Growers Association in an effort to mandate frequent breaks for farm workers when the heat reaches a certain temperature and also pulling workers out of the fields at a particular temperature threshold.

NFWM in North Carolina co-sponsored a vigil in their honor. NFWM gives thanks for the lives and courage of these farm workers, grieves with their families and loved ones, and continues to pray and work for justice in the fields.

See Latest News at: http://www.nfwm.org


2. NFWM Board in silent vigil at Gallo of Sonoma
On July 16, 50 NFWM Board, staff & local supporters stood in silent witness as hundreds entered the Taste of Sonoma Festival at a Gallo of Sonoma ranch. Many passersby waved in support. UFW President Arturo Rodriguez said this support is "powerful" because members take the issues back to congregations around the country. Gallo workers also spoke of the encouragement they feel from such support. Article in Santa Rosa Press Democrat

If you are in California, contact Ana Rizo for news of upcoming boycott actions.


3. Unitarian Universalist Association endorses Gallo boycott
Within days of the boycott announcement, the General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association called on their more than 1,000 congregations in the United States to “boycott Gallo wines until the management of Gallo of Sonoma negotiates a new contract with the United Farm Workers. More info.


4. NFWM News & Views online
Did you receive NFWM's News & Views in the mail last month? It contains comprehensive news on farm worker campaigns around the country and NFWM’s work in support of them in Florida, North Carolina, Oregon and California. You can check it out online. If you want to receive this and future issues in the mail, let us know at nfwm [at] nfw.org

The newsletter also contains a special appeal to Help NFWM Grow!