Carter Offer Ends Labor Hunger Strike
Three farm workers gave up their hunger strike because former President Carter offered to intervene in their dispute with tomato growers. The pickers began the hunger strike on Dec. 20. Carter made his offer in a letter dated Jan. 16. The strikers claim tomato field workers’ wages are lower than they were 20 years ago. Pickers earn 40 cents a bucket, about $9,000 a year, and are seeking a 20-cent raise. But the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Assn. said workers earn $6 to $16 hourly and an average annual salary of $16,640.
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