We have produced the product and sales that have brought an explosion of profits to the owners and corporate mangers of the industry. We have earned the right to be heard. By 1995, poultry workers could no longer earn enough wages to meet the government-defined poverty line. While the demand for the product has soared, real return to the farmers has dropped. In 1995, research indicated that over 73 percent of farmers earned a below poverty level income from their poultry operations.
Many farms face bankruptcy, and families are being forced off the land.
While the industry has grown and prospered, our communities have paid the price. Low wage, high turnover jobs cannot support stable families and sustainable communities. The industry exploits new immigrant workers, as well as native born families and communities, in order to maintain low wages. Our communities can only be strengthened when the industry provides a decent standard of living for all. The corporate managers of the industry have not taken care to protect our environment.