The Farm Labor Movement in the Midwest: Social Change and Adaptation among Migrant Farmworkers / Edition 1

by W. K. Barger, Ernesto M. Reza, Baldemar Velásquez

Overview

The Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) was founded by Baldemar Velásquez in 1967 to challenge the poverty and powerlessness that confronted migrant farmworkers in the Midwest. This study documents FLOC's development through its first quarter century and analyzes its effectiveness as a social reform movement.

Barger and Reza describe FLOC's founding as a sister organization of the United Farm Workers (UFW). They devote particular attention to FLOC's eight-year struggle (1978-1986) with the Campbell Soup company that led to three-way contracts for improved working conditions between FLOC, Campbell Soup, and Campbell's tomato and cucumber growers in Ohio and Michigan. This contract significantly changed the structure of agribusiness and instituted key reforms in American farm labor.

The authors also address the processes of social change involved in FLOC actions. Their findings are based on extensive research among farmworkers, growers, and representatives of agribusiness, as well as personal involvement with FLOC leaders and supporters.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780292707979
Publisher:	University of Texas Press
Publication date:	02/01/1994
Edition description:	1st ed
Pages:	295
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.58(d)

Table of Contents

• Foreword by Baldemar Velásquez
• Preface
• Chapter 1. Social Reform and Adaptation
• Chapter 2. Midwestern Farmworkers
• Chapter 3. The FLOC Movement
• Chapter 4. The Internal Potentials of the FLOC Movement
• Chapter 5. The Social Environment of the FLOC Movement
• Chapter 6. FLOC and Social Reform
• Chapter 7. Social Adaptation of Midwestern Farmworkers
• Notes
• Bibliography
• Index

Editorial Reviews

Documents the history of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee since it was founded in 1967 to combat poverty and powerlessness among migrant farm workers, most of whom are Hispanic. Focuses on the Campbell Soup Company's growers in Ohio and Michigan. Paper edition (unseen), $15.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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