Spreading the word to female farmworkers sexual harassment etc

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.shns.com/shns/g_index2.cfm?action=detail&pk=FEMALE-FARM-09-07-06

Spreading the word to female farmworkers

By HEIDI BENSON
San Francisco Chronicle
07-SEP-06

Soon after Virginia Bautista came from Mexico to work in the fields of California, her supervisor demanded sex. She quit. But when it happened at her next job, in 1988, she had nowhere to turn. She had four children to support.

"I couldn't lose my job again," she said. The harassment got worse and, ultimately, she was hospitalized for depression.

Bautista is one of many female farmworkers in California who, lacking knowledge about antidiscrimination law and often fearful of deportation, have been subject to repeated instances of sexual harassment. But last year Bautista joined Lideres Campesinas, a California group dedicated to educating female farmworkers about their rights, in the hope that relating her experience would help others.

"I'm learning so much, and letting a lot out," said Bautista, who now does seasonal work with grapes and row crops. "I don't want to miss a meeting."



FULL story at link above.


(edited for copyright proud patriot)

[fasttense]

1. Damn, that really is rough

I worked in the fields in Florida picking flowers. The job was hot, physical heavy work. I can't imagine doing the job and having to put up with crap like that too. At least we had a female boss who never bothered us. Everyone liked her.