Stories
“The temperature was about 115 degrees. They fired me for giving my crew a break.”
Elizabeth Talamante, Arizona
Elizabeth is a 56-year-old farm worker from Arizona. Summer temperatures in the region are in the extreme, often surpassing 100°F. Like many other farm worker women, Elizabeth worked in the fields while pregnant in order to continue providing for her family. While working as a forewoman, she was fired after giving her crew a break to cool-down from the unbearable heat. This is the unfortunate reality many farm workers face: their employers care more about profits than ensuring safety in the workplace.
Watch Elizabeth’s story
Related Stories
“I know what it feels like to have your back ache before noon, to have your hands cracked and dry, and to come home exhausted but still worry about whether there will be enough food for your children the next day. That life taught me something: if we don't look out for each other, no one else will."
“It’s an exhausting journey but don’t give up. Keep following your dreams."
"I've suffered three heat strokes working in the fields. It hit 106 degrees at noon."
Stay Informed
Keep up with our programs and stay informed about policy developments in immigration, workers’ rights and more with our weekly newsletter.