JUSTICE FOR FARMWORKERS NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: July 30, 2009     
Contact: Jordan Wells, 845/ 891-7046
( farmworkerjustice@gmail.com )

ON THE PASSING OF A CHAMPION FOR NY FARMWORKERS Statement by Rural & Migrant Ministry, on behalf of the Justice for Farmworkers Campaign

It is with deep sadness that Rural & Migrant Ministry and the Justice for Farmworkers Campaign learns of the passing of Senator Olga Mendez.   Senator Mendez was a remarkable and determined leader for the just and humane treatment of New York's farmworkers.

In the early 1990's Senator Mendez listened to the outraged concerns of her constituents in East Harlem who had worked in the farm fields of western New York. It was through them that she learned of the difficult working conditions and the unfair labor laws.  In 1994 Senator Mendez co-chaired the NY State Senate-Assembly Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Forces Joint Temporary Task Force on Farmworker Issues. In turn this Task Force issued a powerful report in 1995 decrying the unjust treatment of farmworkers under New York labor law.

Senator Mendez listened to the testimony, she heard the pleas for justice from the workers, and from this point Senator Mendez became a prominent leader for change in New York agriculture. In this period when partisanship often controls the political discourse and when rural gets pitched against urban, it mattered not that Senator Mendez was from New York City. It mattered not her political affiliation; she was determined to end the legislative exclusions that denied farmworkers basic human rights.  She traveled across the state and spoke out forcefully. She marched with farmworkers and never failed to be present at their rallies.  As a result of her efforts, historic legislation was passed, giving farmworkers the right to drinking water and field sanitation. Shortly thereafter, farmworkers were given the same minimum wage standard as other workers in New York.  This legislation was the first legislation in the history of New York that was initiated by the men, women and children who labor in the fields of New York.

How wonderful to leave a legacy that positively impacts the lives of thousands.  And what an important inspiration to the countless Senators, on both sides of the aisle, who continue to bear the torch of justice held high by Senator Olga Mendez as they fight for the removal of the remaining labor exclusions.

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Last Updated: 07/30/2009
© Labor-Religion Coalition of New York State