On May 14, 2008, 17-year-old Maria Isabel collapsed of heatstroke while working in a vineyard for Merced Farm Labor, owned by West Coast Grape Farming. Maria had worked for nine hours in 100+ degree temperatures with no nearby water or shade.About two hours after she passed out, Maria was taken to a clinic--arriving with a temperature of 108.4 degrees. Over the next two days, Maria's heart stopped six times. The doctors said if emergency help had been called sooner, she might have survived. Sadly, Maria passed away on May 16, 2008.
At Maria's funeral, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger offered hope to farm workers when he said, "Maria's death should have been prevented, and all Californians must do everything in their power to ensure no other worker suffers the same fate. We have put in place employer regulations to prevent heat illness, and I cannot say strongly enough that they must be followed...There is no excuse for failing to protect worker safety."
Unfortunately, such calls to action are much easier said than done. Five other California farm workers have died of heat-related illnesses since Maria's death.
Fighting for the memory of Maria and the rights of all farm workers, the United Farm Workers are urging all Californian's to support SB789, the California Employee Free Choice Act for Farm Workers, that will make it easier for workers to organize and help enforce existing laws.
To take action, go to: http://www.ufwaction.org/campaign/mariavigil?rk=v7aQHEnqm5uQW.
To read more about Maria, go to: http://www.ufw.org/_board.php?mode=view&b_code=hotissue&b_no=4304.
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