Outdoor Worker Month

elchrist · Posted: 28 Jun 2006 04:17 PM Post subject: Outdoor Worker Month

The hottest month of the year is just around the corner. July. Julio. The forecast for this Saturday, July 1st, 2006 is 111. It's going to be super-hot.

Yet everywhere you drive in your air conditioned car you see people working hard with the sun beating down on them and their clothes drenched in sweat. It makes me feel glad (and lucky) to work in a place where the temperature doesn't surpass 90 degrees. Where I have easy access to drinkable water and a roof above my head.

Every day I pass through fields and see field workers hunching over and picking crop. It's sad to think most of these people will be doing the same line of work for the rest of their lives, up until the day they die even. They're not getting a promotion and they know it, but they continue to bust themselves in the heat day in and day out to survive.

So why isn't there some type of day or month set out to appreciate these outdoor workers that pick our fruits and vegetables, mow our lawns, or even those who now stand on street corners waving signs for all the new homes they will never afford?

I'm not talking about a BS holiday where we set aside the shortest month of the year for a minority, but a period when these outdoor workers are actually felt appreciated and someone gives them a heads up on how to stay healthy and protect themselves so they don't end up in the hospital where they'll next end up in depression because they can't afford to pay the bills, as if they ever could in the first place.

Well, it's probably never going to happen, so if you see someone working hard outside, find a way to let them know their appreciated and that their doing a good job.

chuco boy · Posted: 28 Jun 2006 06:05 PM Post subject: Farm Labor

Nice insight and comments.

Too bad the bigots and the Minuteman types don't see your perspective. Over 80% of field labor workers in CA, Oregon and Wash do not have legitimate papers...Many Central American/Mexican INdians are doing the labor work in other areas.

So much bashing on "illegal immigrants"....How about "Illegal Employers"

No, you can't mention that because they are Republicans....[/b]

Encanto · Posted: 29 Jun 2006 09:29 AM Post subject:

much props to those working hard outside during this hot weather. gotta get some washingtons lincolns hamiltons jacksons to put some food on the table for jah children.

does anyone have knowledge on the "seasons" that field workers follow. i know one family member of mine who lives in E.C. that works 6 months out of the year cause he doesnt travel to follow the temporada. i guess those other 6 months taken off is the season where they have to travel north to work the vineyards and other fruits and vegs where one expects cooler weather or not as hot as the I.V. coachella yuma valleys. 100+ degree weather working out in the fields, damn that must take a toll on the body. i've heard stories that field workers die well young, like in their 50 and 60's mostly from health problems like messed up backs and environment oriented diseases (like pesticides, asthma attacks and other related health detiorating diseases.

bullionsg · Cholo Nako Joined: 13 May 2006 Posts: 31

Yeah, I was holding signs for some new homes the other day, gotta pay my bills someway no? It sucks big time. People yell things at you like,"Get a real job" and the such. How is that a fake job?

Jackalls · Cholo Nako Joined: 12 Dec 2005 Posts: 11

I totally agree. I think it could be done if we really try. My stepdad is a construction worker and works from 4am till 5 or 6 pm every day. They carry wheel barrels full of concrete out in the 120 degree weather. They're up from sunup to sundown. He totally deserves BIG recognition.

elchrist · Posted: 06 Jul 2006 09:57 AM Post subject:

I got to work outdoors on Tuesday and got some killer sunburn on my neck. I completely forgot to splash on some sunscreen.