And here in New York, farmworkers have passed through New York City as part of a 200-mile-long march to demand equal protection under labor laws. They say farmworkers face long hours and harsh working conditions but are exempt from many state and federal labor protections. The farmworkers are marching from Smithtown, Long Island, to the New York capital, Albany, upstate, to demand overtime pay, an optional day of rest each week and the right to bargain collectively. Heriberto González spoke outside City Hall in New York City.
Heriberto González: “I would like to say, each time you are eating, or each time you have something in your hands that you are going to eat, remember us, who do not have the rights that other workers have. And if you can, support us. We are going to be marching for another week and a few days. If you see us, it would be good if you support us by walking with us, maybe a couple of hours, one hour, for a day if you can. That would be very good.”