INCOME/WAGES
The current federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour (as of July 24, 2009). Previously, the federal minimum wage of $5.15 per hour had not been raised since 1997, leaving a significant proportion of farmworkers below the poverty line and unable to meet the basic costs of living. (Farmworker Justice)
"We used to own our slaves.
Now we just rent them."
A farmer in CBS's 'Harvest of Shame'
According to Rothenberg (2000), seasonal farmworkers are the poorest laborers in the United States, earning an average of $7,500/year (in 2000). Those who migrate are poorer than settled seasonal laborers. Over 50% of migrants make less than $5,000/year.
The most vulnerable migrant workers, such as those laboring for farm labor contractors in eastern states, earn average annual wages as low as $3,500 (Rothenberg 2000, p.6.)
The most vulnerable migrant workers, such as those laboring for farm labor contractors in eastern states, earn average annual wages as low as $3,500 (Rothenberg 2000, p.6.)