With QR codes on our printed guides, workers can easily access our new resource.
For the first time, farmworkers in California’s Central Coast can access critical pregnancy and workplace rights information in their native languages– by simply listening. Roughly half of the region’s farmworkers have limited Spanish proficiency and speak primarily-oral Indigenous languages. These workers have long been underserved by traditional outreach efforts, and often struggle to learn about the legal protections they need to stay safe. WorkLife Law’s newest resource breaks these barriers by allowing workers to listen to their rights.
Dar a Luz, our collaborative project protecting farmworkers’ health and economic security during pregnancy and postpartum, has launched audio guides on pregnancy and lactation workplace rights in Mixteco de San Martin Peras, Mixteco de San Juan Piñas, and Spanish.
“Audio Know-Your-Rights tools are an important step towards equitable access to information about workplace rights and paid leave that can help farmworkers stay safe and healthy during and after pregnancy,” said Juliana Franco, WorkLife Law Senior Staff Attorney. “Presenting this information in workers’ native languages breaks down one of many barriers that have historically prevented farmworkers from accessing these protections. We hope these materials will equip workers with the information they need to secure their workplace rights, access paid leave to avoid prenatal pesticide exposure, and advocate for themselves with the support of the Dar a Luz program.”
WorkLife Law hopes to expand our Know-Your-Rights materials to include more languages in the future. In addition to our direct service, WorkLife Law advances systemic change on behalf of farmworkers and other marginalized workers. Through Juliana’s advocacy work, including as Vice Chair of the Multilingual Access Advisory Committee, WorkLife Law has provided the California Employment Development Department with guidance on how to address language barriers and other systemic inequities farmworkers face when accessing paid leave benefits. Learn more about Dar a Luz and our work to protect the safety of pregnant and postpartum farmworkers here.