Local Maryland legislators pushing for bills to protect food and farm workers during the pandemic

MARYLAND- As we know, COVID-19 has impacted many lives throughout the state of Maryland and that includes food and farm workers and their families.

“These workers are often exposed to covid-19 and often have to choose between their personal safety and their paycheck,” Del. Kriselda Valderrama, (D) MD- District 26, said.

That’s why Thursday, Maryland state legislators announced bills they are pushing for in the General Assembly, designed to protect these workers and address issues like lack of PPE and and migrant workers’ housing.

“None of us would have ever been able to predict this or determine what we would have to face, but we are here now and as a legislator we’re going to make the changes necessary to make sure the vulnerable populations in our communities are taken care of, “Del. Kathleen Dumais, (D) MD- District 15, said.

For one woman, she said these injustices are all too familiar for her.

Jilna Jean Baptiste said her husband used to work at the Perdue Farms in Salisbury, but passed away due to COVID-19.

“My husband passed away and they don’t care about coworkers, they just care about making money,” Baptiste, said.

Baptiste said Perdue Farms knew her husband had a fever and didn’t send him home.

“They didn’t care, they kept him working, working for four days with a fever of,” Baptiste, said.

Legislators said hearing stories like Baptiste’s is the reason why they are fighting for the food and farm workers.

Right now, legislators are working on bills that include the Maryland Healthy Farm workers Act that would ensure that employer housing is safe.

“It would help mitigate the spread of covid-19 in the short run and provide more dignity for farm workers in the long run,” Del. Vaughn Stewart, (D) MD- District 19, said.

Another bill being pushed is the Maryland Essential Workers Protection Act that would ensure certain protections.

“Safe hygienic work conditions, hazard pay, healthcare assistance, making sure that we have emergency action plans,” Sen. Malcolm Augustine, (D) MD- District 47, said.

And while some legislators are doing their part, Baptiste hopes others going through the same thing she is speak out.

“It really really hurts, whoever suffered from COVID from the job, they should talk, say something,” Baptiste, said.

We reached out to Perdue Farms about Baptiste’s comments.

They sent us a statement that reads in part quote, “Like all who knew him, we mourned the loss of our beloved colleague – M-J. We encourage any associates who is not feeling well to stay at home.”

They also went on to say that they check the temperatures of all personnel before they enter the building and anyone with a temperature above CDC guidelines is not allowed to work.