Blog #8: CIW/ La Compesina workers

                After reading and doing research about both the CIW and the La via Compesina, I realized that the main differences between the two organizations is that the La Via Compesina is more international based and the CIW is directly related to the workers Florida. With the CIW organization they try to make the voices heard specifically for the immigrant workers, mostly at farms, who are in Florida. These workers typically are not paid minimum wage as the average American in this country. For example a tomato worker will be paid per bucket they fill. Not paid by hourly wage, but by the amount of crop they pick. This could be seen as a commission standpoint which could be very beneficial to one person, but then could be detrimental to another. This easily causes very low wages for these workers.

                The CIW tries to make sure that fair wages are given to such workers, even if they are illegal. They feel that it is a human right not a citizen’s right to be paid fairly. The CIW also looks to keeping labor laws in effect for these workers. Harsh working conditions are usually found in situations such as these. The workers are usually immigrants who do not have a place to stay while they work for the farmer. There is usually someone who will set them up with work along with living conditions and food, for them to be able to stay in the U.S. These are normally not good conditions. The CIW tries very hard in keeping conditions such as these in control.

                A large argument found against the CIW would be the fact that illegal’s should not be here in the U.S. anyway. Therefore, these people should not be concerned, and media should not care for the working conditions they are given. If they do not like the conditions they are given then they should go back to where they came from.

                I do not exactly know where I stand on this argument. I am definitely against having illegals here in the U.S. If someone wants to come live in the U.S. then they can easily become a citizen and go through the necessary processes. I have seen many issues with having illegal’s here in the U.S. Many taxpayers have to spend money on these noncitizens; Medical bills, education, etc. This causes great issues and concern for the taxpayers of our country.        

                Having said that, I also do not feel that human right should be discarded because of this. I understand after reading Patel that these workers are easily “stuck” in situations such as these. A form of slavery can be built around the workers. Once involved in a situation where they were promised many things, and then just not given the promises, the workers cannot get out of their situation. They end up in debt, and just cannot afford to leave because of the lack of money they receive from their bosses.

                Another issue with the illegal workers is that they usually will do the hard labor, particularly farm work, that many Americans would never do. This video shows a little understanding on this issue.  Steven Colbert went in front of the Congressional subcommittee with an opening statement that reflected on the illegal farm workers in the U.S.

The La Via Compesina on the other hand is not so specific. They are an organization that brings together millions of peasants, small and medium-size farmers, landless people women farmers, indigenous people, migrants and agricultural workers from around the world. They want to give a voice to all farmers who are small or just do not have the ability to speak for themselves. This group is looked at now that they have become so largely known. Just as a union is built, they have come together to help each other receive proper treatment and payment for their work.



Locations that are affected by La Via Compesina