Labor rights caravan in Imperial County

California labor commissioner, Cal/OSHA join community-based organizations and State agencies for a labor rights caravan in Imperial County

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - Community-based organizations and state agencies to announce the labor rights caravan and week of action in Imperial County.

The goal is to help and inform farmworkers about their rights, health and safety in the workforce regardless of their immigrantion status.

The caravan is part of the covid-19 workplace outreach project in which it will inform farmworkers about paid sick leave and the covid-19 booster.

According to the department of industrial relations, about 95 % of farmworkers in the Imperial County have received their covid-19 vaccination and now, the goal is to let them know about the new covid-19 booster.

“It is very important... because we want to prevent illnesses and make sure that employees are aware of their rights,” said Lourdes Cruz, Cal/Osha representative.

The caravan started this morning and will continue to go around different farms.

“We need to continue to work with our community partners to reach these workers... we also have our caravan truck that’s going to be going around the fields... and it’s recorded language in Peru Moche, Misteco, Zapotec, English and Spanish we are trying to use all these strategies,” said Lilia Garcia-Brower, State labor commissioner.  

California labor commissioner encourages farmworkers to ask for help when they feel their rights are violated
With that said the organization cal osha sends a message to employers.

“We want to remind employers that they have the responsibility to provide water... shade... and breaks and also for them to have an emergency plan and to provide that for employees," said Cruz.

More information is available at saferatwork.ca.gov.