Farm workers hit by smaller paychecks because of the heat wave

ARVIN, Calif. (KGET) — Odilia Hinojosa has worked in the fields for three decades. She says this heat is unprecedented.

“”Yes, this is the worst heat wave,” Hinojosa said.

Her foreman reminds crew members to take as many water breaks as they need. Hinojosa keeps a water bottle right in her packing stand with water or electrolytes to keep hydrated.

“I fill it with water and Gatorade,” Hinojosa said.

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A truck’s surface temperature on the field reached almost 170 degrees, the cart used to haul grapes, just under 120 degrees. Even in the shade, the grapes near 90 degrees.

But the heat isn’t the only thing hitting farm workers.

“My paycheck comes up a little shorter,” Hinojosa said.

Her work days have been cut two hours per day because of the heat wave. At $16 dollars per hour, Hinojosa is making $640 dollars less per month.

Hinojosa says, it’s hard on their wallets, as rent and bills are not getting any cheaper.

But it’s a price she’ll pay, saying you can’t put a price on farm workers lives.

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“Here we take care of one another as coworkers,” Hinojosa said.

It’s all about taking care of each other. During this heat wave, they remind each other to drink water pushing through what they feel like a never ending heat wave in Kern County.

Farmworkers have been on a cut work day ever since their grape season started at the beginning of July. They don’t know when they’ll be back to their full schedule.

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