For example, workers in other industries can strike without fear of losing their jobs if conditions or wages are bad. Farmworkers are not granted this right. If they strike, they can be fired on the spot and replaced. For this reason, consumers must be proactive in supporting farmworkers. Boycotting will hopefully put enough pressure on Mt. Olive for them to enter into negotiations with farmers and farmworkers.
Unionized workers are more likely to have retirement benefits.
Most importantly, it means workers have a way to address their grievances, someone to represent them and defend them. Mt. Olive Company President Bill Bryan is right about one thing. Farmworker advocates know that working conditions are deplorable everywhere, not just in Mt. Olive's fields. We believe that Mt. Olive should recognize its responsibility. The company has the power to support farmworkers through unionization, and not using its power to do so is continuing to exploit the workers.