TED Talks Daily How farmworkers are fighting extreme heat | Jon Esformes and Gerardo Reyes Chávez
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Jul 13, 2024 Jon Esformes, a farm manager dedicated to improving worker conditions, teams up with farmworker advocate Gerardo Reyes Chávez to tackle the dangers of extreme heat. They discuss the serious risks farmworkers face, including dehydration and exploitation, and share personal stories highlighting their advocacy work. Their innovative partnership aims to create safer, more humane agricultural labor practices, and they reveal how initiatives like the Fair Food Program are pivotal in transforming working conditions for farmworkers amidst climate challenges.
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Near-Fatal Heatstroke
- Gerardo Reyes-Chavez almost lost his best friend to heatstroke while harvesting watermelons.
- This personal experience motivated him to advocate for better working conditions for farmworkers.
Fair Food Program's Power
- The Fair Food Program (FFP) leverages market power to protect farmworkers' rights.
- Major corporations agree to buy only from farms that adhere to FFP standards.
Dangers of Farm Work
- Farm work is dangerous, with workers facing heat stress and potential abuse.
- Fear of retaliation often prevents workers from reporting these issues.