As the pandemic started, workers at Foster Farms poultry processing plants in Fresno and Merced counties grew concerned about possible COVID-19 cases at the plants, inadequate safety measures, and lack of information in their languages. At the plant in Livingston, California for example, workers described working shoulder to shoulder without appropriate distancing nor sufficient plexiglass barriers, no staggered breaks to avoid workers congregating, and not receiving face masks regularly. They were not informed about paid sick leave and kept going to work even if they had symptoms. Soon there were fewer workers, yet the line speed was increased, causing injuries. The plant had multiple outbreaks; 9 workers died of COVID-19 in 2020.
Jakara Movement has been working in the Punjabi community for over 20 years. They are a grassroots, community building organization that works on a variety of issues, rooted in work with youth. Prior to the pandemic, they had not focused on workers’ rights or working conditions. They became involved in supporting Foster Farms workers, as about 20% are Punjabi.
Learn more about the campaign and specific strategies below.
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Punjabi workers start contacting Jakara Movement, voicing their fears and concerns about what is going on at the plants and the lack of information from the employer. Jakara starts reaching out to the community through phone calls, WhatsApp groups, and going door-to-door to find out about working conditions. Canvassing helps build trust and a personal connection with workers.
Jakara organizes a community vigil to mourn 8 Foster Farms workers who died of COVID-19, and to raise awareness about the outbreak at the plant. This leads to media coverage of the cases, which helps add visibility to the issues workers face.
Jakara begins extensive outreach on workers’ rights, including door-to-door canvassing, tabling, and using social media. They hire a multilingual and multiethnic team to reach Punjabi and Latino workers, and become part of the statewide COVID-19 Workplace Outreach Project.
Outreach Flyer Outreach brochures (Punjabi, English, Spanish)
Jakara staff serve as a resource for workers who are terminated unlawfully, help file wage claims with the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, and help file claims for workers’ compensation and unemployment. Staff helps workers fill out the paperwork, make follow up calls, and troubleshoot when there are hold ups.
Jakara staff meet a worker who had not received information about her right to paid leave. They help her write a letter to the company asking for the hours she was eligible for under SB95. A couple of weeks later, the worker gets the pay she was due.
Amarjit Singh worked at Foster Farms doing packing for two years. After organizers help him with his own case for unemployment, he starts sharing information with his friends and other Punjabi community members and connects them to Jakara. Amarjit becomes more involved doing outreach and participating in circles in his gurdwara and apartment complex, where workers share their experiences.
Key Outcomes:
- Jakara Movement has become a resource for workers and an advocate for workers’ rights and better working conditions. Jakara is able to directly help workers facing problems at work and also makes referrals to other organizations and agencies. Jakara continues their outreach and organizing work with food processing workers in the community.
- Due to Jakara’s and other organizations’ advocacy, increased media attention, and the presence of the local health department and Cal/OSHA, Foster Farms increased COVID-19 protective measures for workers.
- Through their outreach, Jakara reached 15,000 – 20,000 workers in the Central Valley, helping workers to know their rights.
The Full Story:
Related Resources:
— KQED story on Foster Farms
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