March 12, 2004
MIAMI HERALD
March 12, 2004
AGRICULTURE
Rules to aid migrant workers advance
The House Agriculture Committee approves a bill that gives the state broader authority to investigate abuse claims of migrant farmworkers.
ebolstad@herald.com
TALLAHASSEE - Legislation that monitors working conditions for migrant farmworkers and toughens penalties against unethical farm labor contractors passed the House Agriculture Committee in its first -- and toughest -- stop.
The measure that passed Thursday afternoon gives state regulators more authority to investigate allegations of abuse and creates a commission to monitor the working conditions of farmworkers.
''This bill is not intended to be a silver bullet that solves all the migrant labor issues,'' said the bill's sponsor, Rep. Ralph Poppell, a Vero Beach Republican. ``But it is intended to bring those issues to the forefront and, at the same time, allow the state to focus on the bad actors.''
The legislation also has a provision requiring employers to inform farmworkers about the dangers of pesticides they work with, a measure that Democrat Frank Peterman of St. Petersburg tried unsuccessfully for four years to get passed.
The agriculture committee, which is stacked with nursery owners, citrus growers and other farmers, has repeatedly fought off attempts to enact legislation improving the working conditions of migrant workers. The committee plays a pivotal role in Florida agriculture, the state's second-largest industry and the employer of about 150,000 to 300,000 migrant farmworkers.
GOVERNOR'S BACKING
But last week, Gov. Jeb Bush held a news conference to announce the legislation and throw his weight behind it. Republicans took over sponsorship of the legislation, which was based in part on abuses detailed in a Herald series, Fields of Despair.
Peterman's separate bill addressing pesticide dangers was folded into the broader legislation. Peterman said he was disappointed, but not naive about the nature of partisan politics. A lobbyist from Bush's office sat in on the committee meeting.
''It's not everything we want, but it's a starting place,'' Peterman said. ``If we can increase the visibility of the issue, I'm all for that.''
`GOOD FIRST STEP'
Poppell credited Peterman for his work, but said he felt his legislation struck a balance between agricultural interests and the working conditions of farmworkers.
''This bill is a good first step, and it will go a long way toward promoting the rights of the migrant worker,'' Poppell said.
The legislation allows farm contractors to be charged with a third-degree felony if working conditions pose a threat to workers' health, safety and welfare.
The legislation would increase to $2,500, from $1,000, the maximum penalty for abusers, while prohibiting labor contractors from forcing farmworkers to buy food, water or housing from them.