Stronger Together Competitors

Farmworker Justice is a nonprofit organization that seeks to empower farmworkers to improve their living and working conditions, immigration status, health, occupational safety, and access to justice. We work with farmworkers and their organizations throughout the nation. Based in Washington, D.C, Farmworker Justice was founded in 1981. Farmworker Justice maintains a 501(c)(3) status as a charitable corporation. Our vision is a nation where farmworkers are organized and their organizations are equipped with the tools to: End discrimination against agricultural workers in labor laws and demand effective enforcement so that farmworkers enjoy the same workplace rights that protect employees in other occupations and exercise them without retaliation. We believe that the myriad problems that agricultural workers, their families and their communities encounter require a multifaceted approach: *On Capitol Hill: We work in Congress to educate lawmakers about the plight of our nation’s agricultural workers, defend against harsh proposals, and advocate for meaningful solutions. *In Administrative Agencies: We help farmworkers voice their concerns in federal administrative agencies to advocate for sensible policies, effective implementation of programs and vigorous enforcement of labor-protection laws. *In the Courts: We represent workers and their organizations in lawsuits challenging illegal actions by government and private employers. *With Farmworkers and Farmworker Organizations: We provide legal advocacy, policy analysis, training and technical assistance to farm labor unions, other farmworker organizations, attorneys, migrant health centers, job training programs, and immigrant advocacy groups. Our corporate responsibility work reforms food chains. *In the Public Eye: We conduct media campaigns, internet advocacy, and other effective communications strategies to educate the public and policymakers about farmworkers’ issues and promote meaningful solutions.

The Official Web Page of the United Farm Workers of America

FLOC began in the mid-1960s, when Baldemar Velásquez convinced a small group of migrant farmworkers in northwest Ohio to come together for their common good. Initial successes generated strong reactions in the agricultural industry, which has been structured to benefit those at the top, while exploiting those who labor at the bottom. It took several years for FLOC to build a base among farmworkers in the area. Since then, FLOC has built a membership of thousands of migrant farmworkers by incorporating two key principles: 1. Farmworkers need a voice in the decisions that affect them: Allowing workers to form a union and collectively bargain with their employer is the only way to address the huge imbalance of power and provide an effective structure for self-determination. 2. Bring all parties to the table to address industry wide problems: Large agricultural corporations have created a supply chain that enriches its executives at the expense of those who work in the fields. These corporations have the wealth and power to change the harsh realities that many farmworkers face. FLOC seeks a structure where all those in the supply chain work together to solve problems: corporations, growers, and farmworkers. Through the many successes of FLOC, conditions of our members have changed dramatically over the years. Not only have wages increased, but housing and other conditions have been improved. The greatest improvement, though, is that workers have a direct voice in their conditions through collective bargaining agreements that include an effective process for resolving grievances and problems. The FLOC movement continues to grow by building a strong popular base of supporters interested in justice. Corporations have tremendous economic and political power, but millions of people who mobilize in support of justice can collectively tip the balance of power to benefit farmworkers.