'It's not just about the apple,' migrant worker advocate says

Every year in March, migrant farm workers begin their long season of laboring in greenhouses and farms across the state.

What they get in return for their toil is poor wages, bad housing and dangerous work conditions, migrant advocates said Thursday.

"We need to think of the people that provide that food (for us)," said Tom Cary of the Greater Grand Rapids Food Systems Council.

He spoke at a seminar sponsored by farm worker advocates and focusing on challenges faced by the migrant work force. It was held at La Nueva Esperanza United Methodist Church, 100 Burton St. SE in Grand Rapids.

"It's not just about the apple. It's about the person behind the apple. It's about the farm worker that picked that apple. And the farmer."

Susan Reed of the Farmworker Legal Services of Michigan said although some progress has been made through changes in legislation, much remains to be done to secure the health and stability of these workers.

Agriculture, with its pesticides and accident ratio, is one of the most dangerous industries, she said.

And child labor continues to be an issue as migrant families work together to increase their income.

"Our clients wish their kids didn't have to work, but they feel they have to work," she said.

Also, many farm workers don't know their rights under the law.

For example, she said, all workers should make at least minimum wage -- $5.15 an hour -- even if they are being paid by the bucket, bag or box of produce picked, she said.

They also are covered by workers' compensation in the state.

Reed said these workers, who play a pivotal role in Michigan's second-largest industry, on average work for one farm a year and make $7,500 per person, or $10,000 per family.