Vermont Dairy Workers Fight for Labor Protections Amid Industry Reliance on Migrant Labor
Workers in Vermont's $5.4 billion dairy industry are advocating for basic labor protections, as the industry increasingly relies on migrant labor. Many of these workers, who are often undocumented, face poor working conditions, low wages, and lack of legal protections. Despite Vermont's progressive reputation, farm workers remain exempt from minimum wage laws, overtime pay, and the right to unionize. The situation is exacerbated by heightened immigration enforcement under the current administration, leading to increased vulnerability and fear among workers. Migrant Justice, a human rights organization, is actively campaigning for improved conditions and has filed a human rights complaint against a major supermarket chain for alleged worker abuse in its supply chain. 
