UFW on kos: 17 yr. old farm worker who died of heat stroke connected to "Two-Buck Chuck."

[Coexist]

This story is so tragic - the cost of cheap wine seems a little too high - please consider taking action below. Thanks.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

We told you about the tragic death of 17-year-old Maria Isabel Vasquez Jimenez who died while laboring in a Stockton area vineyard in 100 plus degree heat. According to a Wednesday AP story, the San Joaquin County Coroner has officially confirmed that Maria died of heat stroke. Maria had been working 8 hours in the blistering heat without shade or sufficient water. The closest water supply was a 10 minute walk away.

According to worker charges filed with Cal OSHA, the land owner where Maria suffered heat stroke continues to utilize labor contractors that don't abide by the law. And Friday, a month after Maria's passing, another charge was filed for lack of water and shade at one of the company's locations.

Because Maria worked for a labor contractor, she most likely never knew she was part of the production team for Bronco Winery who is better known for Charles Shaw wines--commonly called "Two-Buck Chuck."

This best selling wine is available exclusively at Trader Joe's stores.

According to Trader Joe's web site, "these super-value wines began as the result of an oversupply of wine and a great relationship with a valued supplier."

Help us ask Trader Joe's to use their "great relationship" to protect the workers who labor to pick the crop. Ask Trader Joe's to implement a corporate policy to ensure that their suppliers are not violating the law by failing to provide farm workers with basic protections such as cold water, shade and clean bathrooms.

[MountainLaurel]

1. That's an interesting tidbit

:kick:

[Cerridwen]

2. On to the Greatest Page for you.

My understanding of Trader Joe's is that they are usually responsive to their customers' concerns.

I hope they continue that practice.

Apropos of nothing; it's "three-buck chuck" in our neck 'o the woods.

[Coexist]

3. thanks

[knitter4democracy]

4. When you're paid by the amount, a ten minute walk is too far.

That's wrong in every way. Wrong, wrong, wrong.

I'm so sorry for her family.

[AndyTiedye]

5. Siesta!

Let 'em take a siesta if it gets that hot.

[NJCher]

6. in my letter

I told them that, as a gardener, I know what it is like to work in the sun until one feels the physical effects.

It is horrendous.

I also told them that I am a regular TJ customer, which I am, and I could not continue to patronize them if they are not going to do anything about this.

This is so sad. She was only 17.





Cher

[lonestarnot]

7. Is his shit on fire yet?

I thought lightening struck his vineyard? :shrug:

[ourbluenation]

8. Her employer was Merced Farm Labor and they've been in trouble before

cited in 2006 for failing to train employees how to avoid heat stress and other offenses. The owner is Maria De Los Angeles Colunga, who operates Merced Farm Labor out of Atwater.

If Cal-OSHA finds that Merced Farm Labor willfully violated laws designed to protect workers from the heat in relation to Vasquez Jimenez's death, the company could face fines up to $25,000. Representatives of the company also could face criminal prosecution by either the local district attorney or the state attorney general.

http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/990485.html

[JVS]

9. It's like Homer said

"Please, please kids! Stop fighting. Maybe Lisa's right about America being the land of opportunity, and maybe Adil has a point about the machinery of capitalism being oiled with the blood of the workers. "