Members of FWAF meet with the Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis, in Immokalee

On Monday, May 16th, Hilda Solis, U.S. Secretary of Labor, the daughter of a former farmworker family, and first in her family to achieve a higher education degree, toured the farmworker community of Immokalee to discuss the working conditions of farmworkers in Florida. The visit marks the first appearance of an Obama cabinet member in Southwest Florida. The tour promoted the new “We Can Help” Initiative, which encourages workers of any immigration status to report abuse in the workplace.

FWAF General Coordinator, Tirso Moreno, was invited to participate along with other panelists in a Roundtable Discussion with the Secretary at the new Immokalee Technical Center. Close to 150 people filled the room to hear the Secretary and panelists discuss issues, such as modern-day slavery, wage theft, educational opportunities for farmworkers, and green jobs. Staff and community leaders of FWAF made up a delegation of more than 20 people, from all five area offices of the organization, that attended the meeting to listen to the speakers and to hear the Secretary's presentation.  Several FWAF staff and leaders spoke up in the public comment period after the panel.   

Farmworker issues were front and center in the discussion in Immokalee, and FWAF, as well as other groups, will continue to watch and monitor the Department of Labor's commitment to improving working conditions for agricultural workers as we go forward. 

Photo by LEXEY SWALL