Since the worker didn't know what chemical he was spraying, he couldn't know what precautions to take. You might think that Bicchieri, whose organization advocates for workers' rights, would have flown into action, filing a complaint with government regulators. Instead, he just shrugged. Such violations are not only routine, they are almost impossible to stop. Though there is a system in place to protect agriculture employees from dangerous chemicals, the system is not working.
Regulations imposed on growers are restrictive, expensive and difficult to follow.
Workers, largely poor Mexican laborers, don't dare complain for fear of losing their jobs. The standoff is complicated by huge cultural and language barriers between the two sides, who desperately need each other yet harbor long-standing resentments. The issue of chemical exposure, which has been simmering for years, may finally come to a head later this week when the National Farm Workers Ministry arrives in Portland. The NFWM is an ecumenical group of farm activists who try to mediate labor disputes. At least 18ministry board members from nine states have two days of activities planned, including a vigil at Coleman Farms Friday evening to draw attention to complaints of worker oppression, such as allegations of retaliation against workers who speak out on chemical exposure and other issues.