Martha

Tetitla, Zontecomatlán, Veracruz

After the assembly Martha shared with us: “I thought that everything that happened was normal because in the communities most people go to the ranches, and everyone has had at least one bad experience… I think we’re not the only ones to have bad experiences, but it’s sad to hear from people who return that the contractors do not care about their suffering.” They have realized that the mistreatment and poor conditions of the ranches are not normal situations and are violations of their labor rights. This is what we consider most important, raising awareness that this treatment is not normal.

People identify with the testimonies in worker interviews and on the radio. Martha considers that: “It is good that the people have shared their experiences in the interviews, in this way people can search for something better.”

“I learned that the companies have to respect the rights of the workers. I feel thankful. Even though in Radio Huaya you can hear the advice, it’s much better that they come to speak to the community directly.”

The community has started to identify those who are cheating them and recognize that they should have permits: “It’s not good that the contractors continue arriving in communities to cheat us, we know that they do not have permission to recruit people.” 

Martha commented that Fomento had shared some useful advice, such as: “Leaving your information with family members when you go to the tamarind harvest, which is the season in which most people leave.” and that “Those who travel in groups can demand better treatment and are able to defend themselves collectively.”

She also shared that: “I had not heard something like this [the assembly] before because almost nobody in the community migrates to different states. We need more discussions like this one.”