SPECIFIC AIMS STUDY METHODS AND DESIGN
ISSUES OF CONCERN
BACKGROUND
PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN
RECOMMENDATIONS
CONCLUSIONS REFERENCES
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The main harvest season in Southwest Arizona is from October to March
More and more farm workers are staying in the region and do not follow the traditional migration loop to California, Oregon or Washington and back to the Southwest
Granted in 19764, many of those who are eligible collect Unemployment Insurance Benefits
Maximum an individual can collect is $240 per week for a maximum of 6 months
This research was conducted to 1) Gain further understanding of unemployment during the
off-season for domestic, seasonal farm workers
2) Provide an assessment of the particular concerns associated with farm worker unemployment
3) Offer recommendations to aid in development of effective programs, methods and policies to assist in greater sustainability, self-sufficiency and independence
ASSESSMENT OF THE UNEMPLOYMENT SEASON IN THE YUMA COUNTY
SEASONAL FARM WORKER COMMUNITY
by: Brenda C Pecotte de Gonzalez, MPH
1.Bartley, M. (1994). Unemployment and Ill health. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. 48: 333-7.2.Dooley, D. et. al. (1996). Health and Unemployment. Annual Review of Public Health. 17: 449-65.3.Frumkin, Howard, ed. (2010). Environmental Health: From Global to Local, 2nd edition. San Francisco, CA: John
Wiley & Sons, Inc.4.Sakala, Carol. (Fall 1987). Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers in the United States: A Review of Health Hazards,
Status, and Policy. International Migration Review. 21(3): 659-687.
Although limited research exists on unemployment for seasonal employees, the links between unemployment and health have been documented1,2,3 .There are many associated health concerns, specifically for farm workers, which include:
Physical• Diet• Activity level / exercise
Psychosocial• Lack of social interaction• Self-esteem• Anxiety• Demoralization
Psychiatric• Substance abuse• Depression• Suicide
* Univariate, demographic data collected * Qualitative semi-structured, open-ended interviews
* 27 interviews with farm workers * 11 interviews with local, community key informants* convenience sampling at two farm worker orientated
NGOs in San Luis, Arizona* Content analysis was performed on all interview data * Common themes were identified as issues of concern
LEVEL RECOMMENDATION
Local
“Rapid Response Teams” - a proactive collaboration of the Dept. of Economic Security and local NGOs
at the end of the harvest season to educate the community on UI benefits and available services
Financial Literacy workshops - a local NGO or collaboration of NGOs to present workshops and seminars
to the community before and/or during unemployment on subjects such as budgeting, debt, taxes, fraud, identity theft, credit and loans
Educational class offerings - an assessment of the level, need, variety and interest of classes and training
programs, such as ESL, GED, computer and job skills with consideration of language, location, time of day, cost, and season
Advocacy - continue efforts from the local Farm worker Coalition and local agencies to
effect change on the county, state and national level surrounding the identified issues
County/State
Introduction of industry in Yuma County- during the off-season there is not an industry to support the surge in unemployed,
low-skill workers Transportation- the current rural, county transportation system that connects the rural areas, it is
not sufficient nor reliable for individuals to access services or rely on to secure employment outside of farm work
UI benefits- a review of the current State’s minimum and maximum benefits along with
investigation into enforcement regulations of employers. An extensive review would consider the applicability of the general UI program to the farm worker population
Federal
Basic Education Policy & Services- Reevaluation of current federal educational funding policy and restrictions, such as
residency or language proficiency that make needed classes and subsequent classes and training opportunities inaccessible
UI Benefits- each state’s UI policy is based off of federal guidelines and mandates including the
farm worker program; perform an assessment of all state farm worker programs to report best-practices and potential changes
Indirect Factors Disability and Aging
•No longer able to work•Cannot work as long•No other option
The well-being and overall health of farm workers is important to the security and production of the US food supply
Stakeholders need to be identified and included in the collaborative dialogue in addressing issues surrounding farm worker unemployment The author would like to acknowledge: the farm workers of Yuma County; the local key informants;
Arizona AHEC, Ms. Janine Duron of C.I.T.A.; Dr. Cecilia Rosales; Ms. Jill de Zapien; Ms. Maia Ingram
Economic Stability Financial literacy
•Credit cards & loans•Budgeting•Identity theft•Income taxes
Educational Opportunities Classes & Training Programs
•When & where?•Logistical barriers
Employment Issues Arizona UI policy
•Max. $240/wk•Discrepancies in working•Lack of regulation
Available employment•Lack of options•Requirements
Job support •Obtaining & retaining employment
SES Health Factors
Transportation•Reliable•Costs
Technology •Discomfort•Necessity
Health Insurance•Unsure about qualifying
• Instable coverage Residence
•Cost of living•Determines eligibility for services