Time to Be Mindful of Workers’ Rights

“Court Backs Immigrants’ Labor Rights” (Oct. 19) should either shock your readers when confronted with such instances of blatant and callous exploitation of undocumented workers or persuade them to face reality and, if such hiring is inevitable (as it is), to insist on the humane treatment of all workers.

Unfortunately, I have no doubt that among the numerous employers willing to hire such workers are many firms comparable to Farmer Bros. Co., which have no problem using such undocumented men and women, but, if the latter are injured on the job, are then so willing to deny these persons reasonable and humane medical care or, in this case, workers’ comp -- something they could not deny other employees.

Either more severe sanctions on such hiring should be imposed (improbable and unfeasible) or employers should be held accountable if such workers are not treated fairly and humanely whatever their legal status.

To do otherwise stinks of hypocrisy. Employers cannot have it both ways.

Elliott R. Barkan

Professor Emeritus,

History and Ethnic Studies,

Cal State San Bernardino

President, Immigration

and Ethnic History Society

Claremont