Tag Archives: Secretary Solis

Further Action Needed to Protect Farmworkers

Posted on January 16, 2013 by

This week we celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA), which was signed into law on January 14, 1983. The landmark legislation serves as the backbone of protections afforded to our nation’s farmworkers. … Continue reading →

Posted in AFOP, Children in the Fields Campaign, Health & Safety Programs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

National Heat Stress Awareness Week

Posted on April 23, 2012 by

The National Safety Council’s 2009 edition of Injury Facts ranked agriculture as our nation’s most dangerous industry with 28.6 deaths per 100,000 adult workers. Agricultural workers have a heat-related death rate 20 times greater than the general American workforce, according … Continue reading →

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Honoring Cesar Chavez

Posted on March 31, 2012 by

In 1968-69, I remember first hearing about the United Farm Workers (UFW) and Cesar Chavez. Many of my friends were getting ready to participate in the grape boycott and, after hearing about the plight of California’s farmworkers, I had to … Continue reading →

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In Commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month: César’s Last Fast

Posted on October 18, 2011 by

“I remember poor wages and the lack of food… living in the car under a bridge is not that bad because you’re a kid, but the humiliation, that’s what you remember.” A quote from César’s Last Fast as César Chávez … Continue reading →

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An Important Step Forward in Child Labor Laws

Posted on September 2, 2011 by

This week, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released their proposal for long-awaited revisions to child labor regulations. At AFOP, we are glad to see the DOL take an important step towards strengthening the safety requirements for young workers employed … Continue reading →

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Women in the Work Place

Posted on August 30, 2011 by

Yesterday marked the inauguration of National Labor Rights Week, a celebration which first began three years ago. The theme for this year is “Women in the Work Place.” I, along with our Children in the Fields Campaign Director Norma Flores … Continue reading →

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Training Farmworkers On Heat Stress Prevention

Posted on June 27, 2011 by

June 21st marked the first official day of summer, but that is old news for most of us.  Temperatures around the nation’s capital have already reached well over 90 degrees—and for more than just a few days. While it is … Continue reading →

Posted in Health & Safety Programs | Tagged , , , , ,

Water. Rest. Shade.

Posted on May 3, 2011 by

It’s a simple message, but one that can save lives. Last week, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis announced that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will launch a national, educational, heat-stress prevention campaign targeting employers and their employees. The … Continue reading →

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Inspiration During a Time of Worry

Posted on March 31, 2011 by

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending a celebration of the life and legacy of César Chávez at the White House. Ernie Flores, AFOP President, and Hermelinda Sapien, AFOP Executive Committee member, accompanied me to this invitation-only event at the … Continue reading →

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