Kattrina Merlo

Farmworker Justice

Farmworker Justice is a nonprofit organization that seeks to empower farmworkers to improve their living and working conditions, immigration status, health, occupational safety, and access to justice. We work with farmworkers and their organizations throughout the nation. Based in Washington, D.C, Farmworker Justice was founded in 1981. Farmworker Justice maintains a 501(c)(3) status as a charitable corporation. Our vision is a nation where farmworkers are organized and their organizations are equipped with the tools to: End discrimination against agricultural workers in labor laws and demand effective enforcement so that farmworkers enjoy the same workplace rights that protect employees in other occupations and exercise them without retaliation. We believe that the myriad problems that agricultural workers, their families and their communities encounter require a multifaceted approach: *On Capitol Hill: We work in Congress to educate lawmakers about the plight of our nation's agricultural workers, defend against harsh proposals, and advocate for meaningful solutions. *In Administrative Agencies: We help farmworkers voice their concerns in federal administrative agencies to advocate for sensible policies, effective implementation of programs and vigorous enforcement of labor-protection laws. *In the Courts: We represent workers and their organizations in lawsuits challenging illegal actions by government and private employers. *With Farmworkers and Farmworker Organizations: We provide legal advocacy, policy analysis, training and technical assistance to farm labor unions, other farmworker organizations, attorneys, migrant health centers, job training programs, and immigrant advocacy groups. Our corporate responsibility work reforms food chains. *In the Public Eye: We conduct media campaigns, internet advocacy, and other effective communications strategies to educate the public and policymakers about farmworkers' issues and promote meaningful solutions.