Everybody knows that farmworkers and immigrant workers are the backbone of Virginia economy, but they are historically left behind. This time of crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic is no exception.
Many migrant farmworkers are already in Virginia, and thousands more will be en route to Virginia in the coming weeks and months
The Virginia Justice Project for Farm and Immigrant Workers of Legal Aid Justice Center and coalition partners, are coordinating with people across the Commonwealth to take action to protect immigrant workers and migrant farm workers.
Information and Resources for Workers
CONNECT WITH US:
We have activated a hotline that is connecting workers with available resources and providing free legal advice:
434-242-1494 (text and calls) | Toll Free 1-800-269-4717
We have a Facebook page (Programa de Justicia para los Trabajadores Agrícolas de Virginia) that will be updated with the most recent information: https://www.facebook.com/trabajadoresagricolasva
Fact Sheets:
Coronavirus FAQ for Immigrant Workers in Virginia
Coronavirus Preguntas Frecuentes de Trabajadores Inmigrantes en Virginia
Links to area resources (food banks, health care, etc.) by location:
Other Educational Resources on COVID-19 (English, Spanish, Haitian Creole)
TAKE ACTION TO SUPPORT MIGRANT WORKERS!
3 Actions You Can Take Right Now To Support Immigrant Workers
Number 1:
Send an email and tell Governor Northam along with Commissioner Oliver of the Virginia Department of Health and Commissioner Hess of Virginia Employment Commission to support and protect farmworkers!
Number 2:
Send an email and tell employers, agricultural associations, and growers to support and protect farmworkers!
Number 3
Call your local health department to urge the following protections for migrant workers living on labor camps!
Below is a sample script you can use as a guide when calling:
“Hi, my name is__________. I am calling you today to show my support for migrant workers and farmworkers in Virginia and to express my concern about the conditions that they are working and living in during the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why I am asking the Virginia Department of Health to ensure that migrant housing inspections are enhanced to conform with CDC recommendations. In short, we’re asking the VDH to make sure that there are separate living facilities for workers that are over 60 or have underlying health conditions, designated sleeping, bathing, and cooking facilities for quarantined workers, sufficient sanitizing supplies and masks, and individuals responsible for compliance with the same. If these are not met, we do not believe that these camps should be licensed. If you want more information on specifics, I can email you a letter from the Legal Aid Justice Center that provides more details. Thank you very much for protecting Virginia’s migrant workers.”