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Sisyphus in the Fields The programs that aid migrants call to mind the toils of Sisyphus. Why?

Explore the challenges and history of migrant labor in the U.S., drawing parallels to the myth of Sisyphus. Discover the evolution of federal assistance programs, the impact of labor market reforms, and the shifting dynamics in farm labor. Uncover the enduring struggles faced by farmworkers and the complexities of migrant assistance initiatives.

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Sisyphus in the Fields The programs that aid migrants call to mind the toils of Sisyphus. Why?

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  1. Sisyphus in the FieldsThe programs that aid migrants call to mind the toils of Sisyphus. Why?

  2. Is there an alternative? Yes:a) reform the labor marketb) shift the burden of support from farmers to others in the food chain and consumers

  3. Rather than reforming the migrant labor system, the U.S. government has been persuaded to open the border gates to foreign farm workers, both documented and undocumented. Thus the federal government’s willingness to open the border gates for migrant workers helps to produce wages and working conditions that American workers will not tolerate

  4. History of the Federal Assistance programs: A history of neglect why?Farmworkers not recognized as a permanent feature of the U.S. farm system only in the 1960s

  5. The golden Era for farmworkers1965- 19751964 – End of the Bracero programLabor Relations Law in CaliforniaCesar Chavez and Unionization of farmworkersWages increased from $.95 an hour in 1965 to 2.43 in 1975- 156% increase

  6. Farm Labor ThemesFarmers PerspectiveFarm worker Advocates PerspectiveGeneral vs. specific farm labor problems

  7. The persistence of farm labor problems reveals there are powerful incentives to maintain the status quo. Keep the gates open. Why Migrant Assistance Program? Rather than regulate the labor market provide federal programs to get people out of agriculture. Programs were intended to overcome local neglect. They were meant to be transitional.

  8. What is the Justification of Federal efforts for Migrants?

  9. History of Farmworker Assistance Programs • Migrant health program-1962 • Migrant Education program-1964 • Migrant Head Start program-1964 • High School Equivalency Program-1967 • College Assistance Migrant Program-1972 • Job Training for Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers -1974 • Other programs: Food Stamps, WIC, Farmworker Legal Services, USDA Housing

  10. The endless quest in the 1990s • Fruit and vegetable consumption on the rise • Imports of FVH commodities have been on the rise but by small amounts; NAFTA will shift production to Latin America but U.S. farmers remain competitive. Most of the production will remain in the United States. • Mechanization will not replace workers unless it is economical. • Farm unions-prospects are poor • Continued Immigration also lowers changes of mechanization.

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