Sonoma County Farmworkers Demand Higher Wages

On Sunday, hundreds of farmworkers in Healdsburg, Sonoma County, marched for higher wages and hazard pay, demanding $25 per hour or $250 per ton of grapes picked. Protesters highlighted the industry's wealth, emphasizing that their hard work is essential to the wine production process, especially under hazardous conditions like extreme heat and wildfires. Organizers from North Bay Jobs With Justice led the demonstration, which included distributing flyers detailing demands for disaster pay and compensation for lost wages during unsafe working conditions. With climate change intensifying risks, workers underscored that their wages have not kept pace with the rising cost of living. The march followed recent wildfires that posed threats to both communities and the vineyards, exacerbating the urgency of their demands. Participants expressed their readiness to strike if their conditions are not met, emphasizing the necessity of fair treatment for essential laborers in the wine industry.