“Ethical Markets recommends this important reminder for Labor Day, of how the workers who bring us our food are treated. We compliment Grace Communications and are happy to post this FoodPrint News.
~Hazel Henderson, Editor“
Work looks very different today for most people than it did last Labor Day. While everyone’s lives have been disrupted, the COVID-19 pandemic has made clear that the victories of the labor movement — especially safe working conditions and fair compensation — aren’t enjoyed equally. Workers in the food system continue to be some of the most vulnerable to the coronavirus, with summer having brought challenges like fires and extreme heat that only make farmwork more difficult. These dire conditions highlight the importance of continued pushes for better pay and working conditions.
American Farmworkers Still Lack Basic Labor Protections
Labor Day did not start as a holiday for cookouts and shopping discounts. Its history is rooted in the American labor movement and recognition of achievements — things like the five-day work week and overtime pay. Yet, one group has been systematically and persistently excluded from many of these achievements: farmworkers.
Here we cover the history of this “agricultural exceptionalism,” recent state laws that are trying to correct this injustice, the deep ties between race, immigration and farm labor and more.
Preserving Summer’s Best Chile Peppers
Peak chile season is here! Whether you are growing your own or finding them in the market, there’s a wide range of ways to preserve their fiery heat. We have tips for how to handle them, and great ways to put the chile pepper harvest to work, including pickling, canning, drying and more.