Pea Workers Return to Job Following Two-Day Strike
SALINAS — After a two-day strike, 500 pea workers were back on the job Friday after their demands for an increase in pay and the lifting of quotas were met.
The workers walked off the job on Wednesday in protest of a continually increasing quota that required workers to pick 200 lbs of peas per day or be terminated. After failing to meet this quota, 20 workers were fired on April 22.
In addition, workers were demanding an increase in pay. Workers had been earning 40 cents per pound picked. The workers also were asking that they be provided fresh, clean drinking water at no cost. Workers were being charged 50 cents to $1 for water per day. They also asked that knee pads be provided.
The workers were employed by Scott Anthony Ranch and farm labor contractors Azcona, Lopez and Perez.
Upon returning to work on Friday, the workers were granted their demands including: an increase in pay to 50 cent per pound, basic knee protection and free clean drinking water.
The 20 fired workers were rehired. And the quota imposed on them was lifted.
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