Activists rally for better working conditions for Central Florida farmworkers

ORLANDO, Fla. — Activists are calling for more rights for Central Florida farmworkers and help for them and their families.

Union workers are banding together to fight their employers for better working conditions. They held a news conference on Friday to push for changes ahead of a rally at 1 p.m. Sunday, International Workers Day, at Lake Eola.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

They are calling it a rally for reform in solidarity with undocumented workers saying they believe they are being cheated from their dignity and respect.

“We would not have food on our tables today if it weren’t for the farmworkers working in the fields every single day to bring us the food that we eat,” organizer Jessica Ramirez with Farm Workers Association of Florida said.

READ: Gunman who shot at people near UCF’s downtown campus arrested, police say

Organizers are demanding employers provide better hours, voting rights and a path to citizenship.

The rally comes as Florida lawmakers work to pass reform of their own. Rep. Anna Eskamani hopes to pass a bill protecting outdoor workers from heat-related sickness.

READ: Student loan debt: What is Biden considering when it comes to loan forgiveness?

The bill would give people working in agriculture, farming and landscaping shade, access to cool drinking water and a 10 minute break every two hours.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2022 Cox Media Group