Catholics decry plight of farm workers

Jim Ash
Tallahassee Democrat

TALLAHASSEE -- Florida Catholic Church leaders recently called on their own parishioners and state officials to show more respect for farm worker rights.

"The status quo is not acceptable," said Bishop John Ricard, who presides over the Pensacola-Tallahassee Diocese.

Representing the seven bishops of the Florida Catholic Conference, Ricard released a pastoral letter, the church's version of a position paper.

It called on the farm workers to stand up for their rights, Catholic consumers to be more aware of the plight of workers when buying produce, and farmers to have the "moral curiosity" to make sure their labor contractors don't cheat migrant workers.

Sheila Hopkins, who tracks legislation for the conference, said lawmakers need to reconsider a proposal that would allow the children of migrant workers, who spend most of their lives in Florida, to qualify for in-state tuition for Florida universities.

Advocates for farm workers posted gains during the last legislative session, including a new law that requires contractors who transport farm workers to provide seat belts in large vans.

But lawmakers should also consider stricter regulations for pesticides and worker training, among other reforms, Hopkins said.

An $18 million proposal to extend a child health program to the children of legal immigrants failed, in part because of a decision by the federal government not to extend matching money.

"We are hopeful that the progress in public policy will continue," Hopkins said.

Lucas Benitez, an advocate with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, said increased wages and working conditions are essential.

"It's one of the biggest issues for all workers," he said.