By Delilah Alvarado
(Washington State) Washington is dealing with a heatwave and the United Farm Workers are calling on the governor to protect farmworkers.
According to the Yakima Herald, the heatwave hitting western Washington can put the cherry crop in danger. But members of the United Farm Workers are tired of hearing more on the protection of the cherries instead of the predominantly Latino workers.
Elizabeth Strater, UFW's director of strategic campaigns, said that workers have been suffering from heatstrokes, dehydration and heat exhaustion as temperatures rise into the 100s.
Farmers must have access to cold or tepid potable water, shade and adequate break times, according to NBC News. But as the weather intensifies each year, Strater says there should be more permanent rules.
Workdays have been starting at 5 a.m. and ending early to avoid major heat. But some orchards have started in the night.
B.J. Thurlby, president of the Washington State Fruit Commission, a nonprofit marketer for fruit growers, said cherry growers have started at 2 a.m. or 3 a.m. The fruit also cannot be picked when it is over 85 degrees because they bruise.
Some workers have been working faster to save the crop and make money. The industry pays on a piece rate but varies by orchard and cherry type. Per NBC, one farm pays $3.50 a bin that holds almost 25 to 30 pounds of cherries.
UFW volunteers drove around to farms giving out cold waters and saw some farms did not have water stations or did not always have cold water.
Democrats have introduced legislation that would require federal OSHA to create and enforce standards to protect workers in high-heat environments.