The mayor of Ensenada, Gilberto Hirata, confirmed that they were getting rid of the strawberry that was spoiled because of the labourers' strike, which started on March 17, in the Valley of San Quintin, Baja California.
"Millions of dollars have been lost. I verified this personally, I went to the fields, and to some strawberry fields. The fruit is splintered and has fallen down. It must be pulled off the plants so new fruits can sprout. Sometimes, the strawberry is ripe in four days," he said.
Hirata visited the valley on Sunday and saw how the labourers' strike had led to a loss in crops.
Hirata said the conflict was about to be solved and that there were even some workers who wanted to return to work, but had been threatened by others not to do so.
"Among other things, they have been told that they would destroy their houses if they went back to work. Most of them are already returning to their normal activities," he said.
This Wednesday, March 25, at 2 pm, the 14 leaders of the labourers' on strike will meet with federal, state and municipal authorities as well as with representatives of the employers to try to reach an agreement. The labourers demand better working conditions, benefits and a minimum daily wage of 300 pesos.
The mayor of Ensenada stated that most of the labourers working at San Quentin "are covered by social security, have benefits and the federal Secretariat of Labour and the State had carried out inspections, tours in the companies, and there are about 7 companies that are complying with their responsibilities."
However, about 1,500 to 2,000 labourers are temporary workers and have no benefits.
"That's the group of citizens who are justified in fighting for their rights. They are also requesting a maximum increase of 300 pesos in their daily minimum wage. They are entitled to demand housing, better wages, humane treatment, this is what we are following up, the companies are regulated and monitored and have to obey the law."
"What we ask is that they denounce if there is a more serious situation, such as harassment, or abuse. That they give us names, that they report it to the authorities so they can investigate," he said.
The Mayor confirmed that their requests have been answered positively and that they were just waiting on the issue of wages.
"Their requirements in general have been met," he said.
San Quentin's production
There are thirteen states of the Mexican Republic that grow strawberries and Baja California is the state that has the biggest revenues for the cultivation and marketing of strawberries in Mexico.
Strawberry crops in Baja California account for approximately 27.35 percent of the total area of strawberries in the country.
Strawberry production per capita in Baja California is 32.58 kilograms.
Every hectare of strawberry requires between 180 and 200 workers.
According to the mayor of Ensenada, San Quintin also cultivates miniature pumpkin, many vegetables, carrots, peas, and broccoli, which are mostly exported to Japan, China, and United States (Miami, California).
"It is an important market, we must address the problem so that we can deliver our product complying with the safety and quality demanded by the global markets," he said.
Source: milenio.com