Thursday, October 19, 2017
The Power Of PR
When one has nothing, it is still difficult to band together with others in order to be treated fairly. It takes an organizer to persuade the downtrodden they can do better. That is the reason this person has won the MacArthur "genius" grant. Working in Florida he organized poor field laborers who were often cheated of their wages and treated like slaves. They then approached large retailers in the US who bought produce from farms around Immokalee, FL and convinced them to take part in its Fair Food Program. Since then, conditions have improved for field hands and the brutal laboring conditions ameliorated. The power of PR came in highlighting the plight of laborers to companies like Walmart, McDonald's and other major food retailers. It is much needed. Decades ago, I worked as a farm laborer and conditions were primitive. That hasn't changed much in the ensuing years. Farm hands are at the bottom of the logistic chain and the most vulnerable. Many are undocumented workers and fearful for what might happen to them if they stand up for their rights. It takes a powerful voice to gain a hearing.
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