UNCLE OF MARIA ISABEL VAZQUEZ JIMENEZ
My name is Doroteo Jimenez, uncle of Maria Isabel Vazquez Jimenez. I am joined by her aunt, cousins, brother and fiancé, Florentino.
Maria Isabel dreamed of helping her widowed mother in Oaxaca, Mexico. She also dreamed of becoming a hairstylist and having a family with Florentino. But those dreams were destroyed.
It has been three years since we lost our beloved Maria Isabel due to the irresponsibility of Merced Farmer Labor. That day, my niece had had been working for nine hours, in 100 degree temperatures. Merced Farm Labor did not even provide her with a cup of water, shade or training to protect herself from heat illness. It was only her third day on the job when she fainted due to the heat.
The employer did not call 911 or any emergency medical attention, as required by law. They let her die without a care that she was only 17 years old, of her dreams or how her family would suffer. For them, Maria Isabel was only a farm worker who could be replaced. For us, the loss is eternal.
This is a joke to us, as farm workers. There is more protection for the life of an animal than us. There are stiffer punishments for those that abuse an animal than those who abuse a farm worker.
We are not in agreement with the plea deal. We will keep fighting until there is justice for the death of Maria Isabel. We know that many farm workers have died under the same conditions as Maria Isabel and they are never mentioned and there is no justice for them. 15 farm workers have died from heat illness and who has fought for them?
We urge you, Judge Garrigan, that for the first time in history, you enforce the laws in the books and send this case to trial or give those who are responsible jail time.
It would be an example to encourage other employers to be more careful with their workers. To treat them with dignity and respect at the workplace. Maria Isabel will never return to us, but her story and tragedy can serve to protect other farm workers in the fields and prevent future deaths.
Thank you.