COVID's Hidden Toll (full documentary) | FRONTLINE

How the COVID crisis has hit vulnerable immigrants and undocumented workers who have helped keep America fed during the pandemic.
This journalism is made possible by viewers like you. Support your local PBS station here: www.pbs.org/donate
While millions of Americans have been sheltering in place, FRONTLINE has been investigating the hidden toll of the pandemic of those who cannot stay home: Agricultural workers, many of whom are undocumented immigrants, who have been deemed essential to the nation’s food supply.
In "COVID’s Hidden Toll," numerous farmworkers speak out about their experiences of having to choose between their health and their jobs - and what they say is a lack of protection from their companies. With Latino people nationwide dying from the coronavirus at a disproportionate rate, the film examines outbreaks at several growers and meat packing plants over the past several months, and how new evidence indicates that agricultural workers have faced a heightened risk of contracting the coronavirus.
#COVIDsHiddenToll #CaliforniaFarmworkers #COVID-19
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Funding for FRONTLINE is provided through the support of PBS viewers and by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Major funding for FRONTLINE is provided by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Ford Foundation. Additional funding is provided by the Abrams Foundation, the Park Foundation, The John and Helen Glessner Family Trust, and the FRONTLINE Journalism Fund with major support from Jon and Jo Ann Hagler on behalf of the Jon L. Hagler Foundation.

[@freymorgan7588]

Props to that lady with cancer taking care of her entire family by herself! Damn girl...

[@miltonvoight3374]

Frontline needs to be viewed for educational purposes. Amazing how little amount of people watch these fantastic quality fact based documentations.

[@silverhawkscape2677]

Save far right. They turned off comments on that.

[@robertvaughn7358]

I post it in hope it gets watched by others

[@odisclemons9700]

This is why I love Frontline. You get an inside perspective on issues you would normally have no exposure to. It's impossible to imagine what it's like for those people. How can you possibly have empathy without perspective?

[@ritagoforth2317]

Amen Odis! I couldn't agree more! Trump has got to go!

[@abdulraheem415]

Yo you took.the words out of my mouth bruh! I freakin love FRONTLINE...! Omg! The way these people are being treated is only a step above the way black people were treated with sharecropping!!

[@DIVISIONINCISION]

@@ritagoforth2317 It has nothing to do with Trump. Biden is a corporatist. He is no different than a Republican. Follow the money.

[@joemontesdeoca2312]

@@ritagoforth2317 A×

[@susanbengston3496]

Odis Clemons- “impossible?” Work In The Fields harvesting the Foods we All Eat. We American 16y.o.’s of all “races, shapes and sizes” legally did it Each Summer to earn some cash. A bit of perspective.

[@jasonarsenault1550]

Were praising doctors but these farm workers have the most dangerous job in the country during covid . Farm workers are the true heroes.

[@CaptainJackSparrow110]

Not really. Their culture makes them more vulnerable to infection. See: my comment nearby.

[@MassiveBBL]

Jack Sparrow Yes they are, they’re doing a job that most others won’t even think about.

[@CaptainJackSparrow110]

@@MassiveBBL White people did those jobs before illegal immigrants came here. Who do you think did those jobs before? European immigrants did those jobs. Most people who came here were farmers full time and only part time did other stuff. As the white people became more efficient technologically, they used others who were less capable of doing the intellectual jobs. It is called free market capitalism. Do you really think that if the welfare state went away that white people would simply starve rather than picking up a shovel?

[@MassiveBBL]

Jack Sparrow Nah y’all do don’t anything anymore, that’s why we’re out doing it. Y’all got lazy.

[@boosteddaily1294]

@@CaptainJackSparrow110 Was the population of the U.S. 320+million when European immigrants did the job? Is your last statement/question supposed to be sarcastic?

[@lovely-mk4rt]

We the people already know that self-regulation DOES NOT WORK. The airlines, police, government contracts etc etc..... All of these businesses need to be transparent and take care of their workers. How much money do rich people need. How much is ENOUGH! The animals that are being tortured and disregard and disrespected, WE EAT AND WE THE PEOPLE GET SICK. Then the self regulating pharmaceutical companies make billions off of us. It’s a circle of pain , work, fear, bills, and death. This is America. Horrible. Please keep the field workers safe and healthy, for all Americans

[@leslievega8035]

Thank you FRONTLINE for producing this for all of us. Thank you FARMWORKERS for giving me breakfast, lunch and dinner. What is the middle class's responsibility to the essential worker? to the journalist? to the truth? Take only what you need and say thank you. Take yourself to polls and cultivate a relationship with your legislators and local organizations. If you're reading this and you want to do more, reach out to me.

[@SteenyBean]

How?? I’m not super savvy ....

[@aprildemroff9270]

Yes, god bless these hardworking essential workers who don’t even get acknowledged as such!

[@kristinwallace6551]

These people deserve so much better. They are all in my thoughts and prayers. Change needs to happen in this country!

[@TheLinuxYes]

the sit on their asses at home company stock owners kinda' like things the way they are.

[@georgemartinez4476]

Thank you

[@mattf2535]

Vote for someone else not from the two party system, press your local representatives and boycott any farm that doesnt protect its workers

[@keith2964]

Things should be getting better now that we got rid of the virus in the WH!

[@jorgebarranco8640]

Thank you finally a good comment about immigrants!!!!!

[@blueangel1426]

Strong lady in a battle with cancer, COVID and employer abuse

[@HaXaW5150]

By no means am I patting myself on the back, but when I pray over my food I always pray for the farms and the workers. Then I pray for the truck drivers, the people at the store. I ask God to bless them all. I've worked on a farm my family have driven trucks and worked at Wal Mart, so I know what these folk go through. Always keep them in your prayers and remember what they go through for YOU.

[@evelinmartinez3911]

Proud to be a daughter of immigrant farm workers. We are humble, hardworking and greatfull.

[@LoanLadyLisa1]

OSHA is not doing there job! It is a regulatory body that is not doing what they were initially created for and that is to protect workers!

[@miguelcarter1949]

Miss G OSHA should and will return them to the country they belong in legally All of these people would be lucky to even get into a hospital in Mexico They are here cause it’s a better life The woman truck driver is doing a high paying job for a American citizen and I bet she does it for less then half what a citizen would get The employers need to be imprisoned for hiring illegal aliens

[@LoanLadyLisa1]

@@miguelcarter1949 people and I mean all people have rights they are HUMAN RIGHTS. They are doing the labor intensive jobs you did not go to school for. The job you won't even try to do for a day. I KNOW WHO THEY ARE! Whether they are documented or undocumented they still have rights.

[@Benson_aka_devils_advocate_88]

@@miguelcarter1949 There is so much regulation with CDL required truck driving I can guarantee she isn't illegal. This is coming from someone who has a CDL.

[@GoldenGirl3300-k9q]

Do you know of a government agency that ever has done the job they were created to do? I think every level of governent so big, so bloated and so overrun wth corruption, its pathetic and sometimes they're set in that position for life. A president spends 4 or 8 years in the whitehouse, but Congress will still be there doing nothing after he is gone, awaiting the next 4 to 8 years of another prudent. I SO WANT term limits on our politicians! Cuomo of NY has been in office 3 terms already and NY has no term limits. HE could be the emperor until he dies.

[@justthe2ofusindempines]

I made a whistleblower complaint to OSHA 3 months ago. I was a cleaner at the State of Wisconsin Hills Farm state office in Madison Wisconsin and in March us cleaners were being denied to use disinfectant cleaner. We were only allowed to use vinegar and water! I refused not to use the disinfectant the first time my supervisor told me but when my supervisor sternly told me the next time he seen me using it that he was told by his superiors we needed to use vinegar and water. I had no choice but to obey him and not use disinfectant. Mind you I cleaned the cafeteria area and about 15 conference rooms, the lactate room and lockers in locker rooms. With only 1 pad for ALL surfaces that needed wiping. So just imagine the amount of virus I could of been spreading. I was in tears knowing how I had cleaned and feeling guilty about that. Knowing that we as worker's were put in danger of contracting the Coronavirus. And the State employee's who were trusting our cleaning were also put in danger and had no idea. To me this could of affected the whole community. I contacted my head boss and he was defensive toward my concerns. I let him know that because of my concerns of not being allowed to use disinfectants I wanted to be sure I had not contracted the virus and as I care for my mother who has Lupus I needed to make sure. I went on a self 14 day quarantine and he seemed to be ok with that and told me to " take all the time you need" I explained to him that I would be back to work in 14 days. Well.... On the 13th day I sent out reminders that I would be returning to work the next day as I had no symptoms. I was told I was Laid off!!!! This was the first of me hearing of any lay offs. I went numerous times to the building just to take a look for myself and the other employee's cars were in the parking lot. So I felt like I was retaliated against by being laid off. I filed a complaint. I have sent in all of my text measages that clearly show an admission of guilt by my employer as to my concerns. And also pictures to prove that the other employee's were working. As far I know the employer now has to prove that they were not being retalitive to me and prove that they really in fact had to lay off employee's at that location. And OSHA as of this week has no new updates for me. I just want to work so I can pay my bills. I am drowning right now. I would of never made the complaint had I of knowen the system would fail me and I'm now incomeless. I don't believe OSHA is for the worker's. Obviously I'm not the only one that is fighting for what is right in this....

[@jeffchu6215]

They need full gear, including N95 mask

[@ProduccionesMisael]

Education is my drug and FRONTLINE is my dealer excellent film once again from PBS

[@ministerofdarkness]

I wanna get High!!! 📚

[@TheLinuxYes]

yep a bright spot in a bullshit filled mass media ocean.

[@MA-vd3ln]

If frontline is your drug dealer they gave you a bad batch of dope.

[@schatzeeone6230]

It’s not education. If it’s biased, one-sided, politically-motivated information, that’s called indoctrination. That’s what Frontline has been plugging for decades. You’re probably too young to remember when journalism was expected to show both sides of a story instead of just pushing their paid agenda.

[@lennywilliams2300]

What a cruel world we live in!..... Just when you think you are having it bad.

[@martymartin5792]

No kidding. I’m blessed. Thank you folks for working when a lot of gringos chill out

[@hunt4malikah37]

This is pissing me TF off watching :'( I wish these documentaries had links to donate with them. I'm hella sad watching this. These people deserve so much better!

[@Froggy77100]

I agree, t's unbelievably upsetting and unacceptable. I know this is an old comment, but if you still want to help give me your state and I can find you information. If you're not comfortable with that, do an internet search and there are places that can direct you. Be well

[@melisa8256]

This is equally infuriating and heartbreaking. Billion dollar company and this is how they treat human beings.

[@time4sanity]

Agree wholeheartedly!!!! With the recent surge of Covid in California, I wonder how much of it is because of this. This is CRIMINAL!!!!

[@GottaWannaDance]

You expected something different? When decisions are made concerning how many $$$$ are being made, it's always made in favor of the money makers.

[@tinaleen1829]

Thank you for your efforts and time for reporting this sad/poor working environment in our country.

[@grams5025]

I haven’t met one American that would work the fields like the documented and undocumented. And most Americans have no idea where their food comes from. As a farmer of several generations, it breaks my heart to see people being treated like slaves at the cost of their health and economic state. Wake up America. We’re not the greatest anymore.

[@faitholsen769]

I know where my food comes from. I grow as much food as I can for myself.

[@grams5025]

@@faitholsen769 Now I have met one! At least virtually! Blessings to you dear!

[@ShadowWizard123]

Never were the best. Look at our dealings in the Philippines. They thought we were rescuing them from the Spanish. Guess again. Look at our dealings with the indigenous tribes that got displaced. Broke treaties with them too many times to count. It goes on and on.

[@grams5025]

@@ShadowWizard123 Absolutely!

[@leadorchard2395]

never has been.. it's built off EVERYONE else's work not the devils that love it

[@signupstuff]

Praising farm workers as heroes during the pandemic is the equivalent of sending thoughts and prayers after a tragic event. Both are equally effective.

[@Adamorevo]

Equally effective in accomplishing nothing.

[@maria53287]

I think u meant equally ineffective right?

[@avataranonymous]

@@maria53287 i think they were trying to be poetic and failed.

[@ayeitsshane806]

Why are they heros for doing there job?

[@j.m.5995]

@@ayeitsshane806 did you have a meal today?

[@idaknoe3538]

"Essentially" expendable.

[@freebiehughes9615]

Best programme on television, hands down!

[@sugar2th173]

Farm workers are modern day indentured servants. I’m essential and I have every underlying condition. Sitting home is not an option because I’m really helping save lives. But to have these farm workers scared because of being undocumented. Breaks my heart. We have to do better. Many American say they take our jobs. I lived with them in Washington state. No American wants to do their jobs. Backbreaking hard work. Canning and working the fields isn’t a part time summer job anymore. It’s a full time, job.

[@Mrpachuko13]

This is other female on here on the comments, wrote, she's proud to be the daughter of immigrant farm workers... I was like huh??? What?? Why??

[@kryptonarie6367]

I'm so tired of this so called "greatest country in the world" not caring about the people in this country, and I mean all the people!!! The self righteousness and self-servingness of our politicians and this president is disgusting, because they care more about protecting the wealth of the wealthy than they care about protecting the people who made, make, and are who are keeping the wealthy the wealthy!

[@Lando-cb9ol]

Who told you that government was your friend, your 'parent' or was created to take care of you? No one 'owes' you anything - it's up to YOU to make your own way in this world! Government's only responsibility/duty is to protect the rights of its CITIZENS (not simply residents) as outlined in the Constitution. Are you seriously surprised when companies who break laws by hiring illegal workers, violate OSHA, and disregard humane animal standards...then fail to protect those workers? Either grow a pair and report them for their unlawful ways, not stopping until they're investigated, fined and jailed...or quit complaining!

[@Lando-cb9ol]

And if you're that upset about what goes on in Washington DC...I suggest you run, get elected and then tell us all just how easy it is to satisfy ALL the demands made on you from 100% of your constituency. Who are the wealthy? The top income tiers are constantly changing. 'Old (family) money' is not as common as you think. And remember - worth on paper isn't the same as cold hard cash! A family farm can be valued at $500,000 but the cash in the bank might be less than $5,000. The 'value' is tied up in land/property, equipment, livestock, crops, etc...all of which if sold right this moment, will not put $500,000 in the farmer's pocket. Most income will go to the expenses - loans, mortgages, insurance, taxes, chemicals, fuel, seed, fertilizer, feed, vet bills, parts/repair bills, possible employee wages, etc. Then there's the family's own expenses: groceries, medical bills/insurance, utilities, clothing, kid's school needs, gas for the car, church offering and donations, etc. So, after all that, is the farmer still what you'd consider 'wealthy'? There are exceptions, but most businesses are the same way. A small company with only 10 employees @ $15/hr working 40 hrs/week (and no OT) = $6,000 gross x 52 weeks = $312,000 spent JUST on payroll.

[@kryptonarie6367]

@@Lando-cb9ol I'm over simplifying, but why then does the U.S. government take pay from American's earnings in the form of taxes- just because? Why should Americans pay their hard earned income into a government who isn't required to do anything for them, that logic doesn't even make sense, and especially not now, and not during a of catastrophe???

[@aaronbirook4367]

@@kryptonarie6367 Taxes need to be cut by 30%, that's the answer. Do for self, govt cant save you

[@yourkeylady]

Cali is the hardest place to live for the majority of the population. People have to group together to pay the bills. The only consolation is it's warm when you're homeless.

[@SKiLLsSoLoN]

So sad :(

[@JuanGomez93110]

Yep! I have family and friends all over California, from LA to Sacramento and The California-Oregon state line. It is expensive to live in California.

[@CaptainJackSparrow110]

So, move. People have migrated since humans existed. The climate changes and large populations move or die. In the case of illegal aliens; they can go back to their home countries and wait in line like all the good immigrants.

[@TheLinuxYes]

@@JuanGomez93110 the tragedy is that Cali used to be a place worth living in. back then it wasn't expensive.

[@JuanGomez93110]

TheLinuxYes I’ve visited Cali several times, the last one being this year from June 28th -July 5th Don’t get me wrong I like Cali, but I would wisely choose to live there now a days.

[@kathyhousel2112]

Thank you all for risking your lives every day to make sure we have our vegetables. greatly appreciated and may God be with you all🙏😷

[@schatzeeone6230]

They’re not doing it for you, or out of the goodness of their hearts. They’re only in it for the money. They don’t care what’s on your table; they care about paying their bills. Do you “greatly appreciate” every single person who does the job they’re paid for? What a ridiculous idea.

[@nycvista]

Thank you for this programming and excellent journalism. Is there any way to reach out and help Sinthia's family?

[@berenisemendez5223]

That would be wonderful !! I’m in if we can get that information

[@ksmith4012]

Count me in!

[@mattf2535]

If you live in that community or CA, then bombard your local alderman/councilman, representative, and mayor with demands to investigate abuse of farm workers. Otherwise, boycott the fruit/veg producers who do not protect their workers -- call up the executives and let them know that your community will not patronize them, use FB, YT, Twitter, etc.

[@ritagoforth2317]

Yes, I would like to be able to reach out to these families too. Maybe at the end of their programs, they could provide a contact. That would be great!

[@SmellsLikeContentt]

Same here!

[@mariah8234]

Wow! So you are telling employees if they have COVID to voluntarily quit and file unemployment. You don't get unemployment if you voluntarily resign. They have some nerve.

[@bluehand9631]

In California when filing for unemployment you can claim as the reason for termination-CONSTRUCTIVE DISCHARGE. This is a little known cause that means the WORKING CONDITIONS WERE INTOLLERABLE. Employers can dispute this but rarely do because it costs them time and money.

[@mariah8234]

@@bluehand9631 Thanks for letting me know. I forgot different states, different rules😊

[@taneterankh]

You don’t qualify for unemployment if you’re undocumented

[@mariah8234]

@@taneterankh I'm well aware of that 🙄

[@reubenbanakas5788]

Double edge sword, coivd, Shameful these workers are treated like dirt/slaves, but USA is broken down, class against class, rich,poor? All because of greed!! Praying for humanity

[@mikemann1960]

Best comment! Thank you.

[@erinmoore6463]

Thank you for this, Frontline. I had no idea things were so bad for them. We have to hold our elected officials accountable.

[@hammer1312]

Yes it's called legal slavery

[@missbree7333]

We should... But people are divided because they're too worried about nonsensical things...

[@rainmon]

Incredibly sad, these essential farm workers should be given proper PPE, healthcare insurance and a moratorium on the fear of deportation.

[@spensergalloway5822]

Regulations don't matter if they aren't being enforced. Most workers aren't allowed to say anything or don't know who to report it to. If you do report something, you will be replaced, but it is unlikely that your report will be heard or taken seriously. As long as a company has spokesmen who say things like "we have X and Y rules here", no investigation will be done, even if these rules are regularly broken. At every job I've had where I'm in danger, the response is always along the lines of "Those rules are for other places. Here is the exception because...." and that's the end of it.

[@Froggy77100]

They absolutely deserve all of that, plus a livable wage. Those who are profiting off the backs of these people don't value them. Instead they see them as a disposable and easily replaced. It's another American tragedy; that with all the money and capability we have -- we are still failing these people along with too many more to list. Consumers who buy these products have them most power/money. Considering companies have been profiting tens, if not hundreds of billions every year -- that goes into their own, and their shareholders pockets. And like many other companies; rather than first valuing their employees and/or passing value down to consumers, it continues. It amazes me how many of my fellow humans give excuses to not fight for better -- beginning with those working the fields. It's beyond unfortunate some people prefer ignorance over having to face ugly, inconvenient truths.

[@Froggy77100]

@@spensergalloway5822 I agree. The owners of these companies should be imprisoned for many human rights violations. Too many in the USA don't realize 'undocumented', to these companies means they can do what thru want with them. Nonexistent work safety and benefits are but a few pieces of a much darker puzzle. Men, women, and children are often the victims/survivors of crimes so abhorrent, so inhumane -- just hearing about them can be traumatizing. I've learned this from working directly with people who work the fields in New Mexico. To say it's heart-wrenching would be a gross understatement. Personally, I think many people feel powerless to face such a huger injustice. There was a time I did as well. We instead need to teach ourselves to focus on what we can do and take action. We must remember, just as tiny cracks break down walls, our combined effort can do the same.

[@lifesacrifice]

46:22 this is the greates point of the video. This is why Americans indifference is destroying the country.

[@mrp1924]

The people who have been putting food on the table should be awarded citizenship, especially now with the pandemic.

[@TheLinuxYes]

wrong color

[@mrp1924]

TheLinuxYes some have been deported after serving in the US military.

[@TheLinuxYes]

@@mrp1924 a guess a national thanks for your service?? hard to imagine.

[@mrp1924]

TheLinuxYes no I missed the Vietnam draft

[@hammer1312]

I agree 110 percent. God bless them all.

[@abdelhammami9003]

Sadly this is taking place in " the greatest country in the world" the US of A.

[@DennisMoore664]

And yet people from all over the world keep coming here both legally and without getting the proper documentation. The money given to traffickers to get in the United States is unreal. And more than a few end up as domestic slaves or disappeared all together. The whole world is mess - except New Zealand. It's how you know that's where the worlds elite will be moving if things get too bad.

[@TheLinuxYes]

@@DennisMoore664 the entire world is not a mess. the corporate owned murcan TV news actors are the ones telling you that nonsense.

[@DennisMoore664]

@@TheLinuxYes Except I don't watch the cable news shows anymore - cut that cord a long time ago. But it doesn't matter if it's the corporate line from the MSM or from Democracy Now, The Majority Report, TYT or Jimmy Dore on the Left or the Epoch Times and Blaze TV on the Right. Everyone has their own take and regardless of whether it's real or fake news very little of it is good news. And to say there aren't problems in a lot of countries is so obviously wrong that I probably should even be wasting my time with this reply. You most be living in a very different world than the one the rest of us are in.

[@stepheng3667]

The greatest country in the world? Not even in the top ten.

[@abdelhammami9003]

@@stepheng3667 really ??? well i guess 4 more years I we won't be in the top 100 thanks to the MAGA guy :)

[@bayareagrl4ever526]

I live in this ag country and am grateful to the farmers and the workers for growing and harvesting our food. One thought crossed my mind, shouldn’t they be wearing a scarf or mask over their noses anyway to prevent breathing in dirt and pesticides? A scarf at CVS is 1.99.

[@sandrapatterson2916]

My thoughts exactly!

[@chrisreiser1499]

Sandra Patterson coal miner don’t all wear masks and black lung is getter worse.

[@nubianprincess2771]

Agree and should be provided by the company.

[@whygohome172]

People, stop being mad at immigrant workers and start holding rich corporate policyholders who want to make as much profit, paying the lowest wage possible, responsible. Did you think they left the comfort of their home just tp pi$$ you off?

[@ohcean5]

"It doesn't feel like we're essential. It feels like we're slaves." 😢

[@tinawoods8847]

I get verbally abused on a daily basis from customers due to product shortages. I work 10-12 hours a day 6 days a week to keep our shelves stocked but it doesn't help. Bigger more frequent loads . Essential employees are scapegoats

[@solapowsj25]

Slaves don't need protective clothing. They get just enough money for a day. They're there in India even today. If the sun is too hot and the slave dies of stroke, that's normal. If there's heavy rains and the slave gets washed away, his burial is done. Surely that's different from workers seen here in this video clip.

[@susanbengston3496]

ohcean5 - ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@susanbengston3496]

Tina Woods - ❤️💕❤️💕

[@kimberlyescobar8130]

@@solapowsj25 I would call this modern-day slavery. They aren't getting protective gear. Clearly, it's not the same as way back then, but it's still a form. Also, don't compare another country to the U.S. The U.S. needs to do better and they are taking advantage of these poor undocumented workers.

[@ifeanyiokoye176]

If the Government fails to implement safety measures through enforcement, the country stands to lose in the long run. For the immediate, the farm workers yes.

[@TotalrefundCule]

Heartbreaking! The greatest threat to human beings are human beings.

[@srichey444]

💯💯💯💯

[@benniecrawford6876]

Always has been .

[@NWKBricks1]

This is what happens when you have unfettered capitalism. Awesome by the way, Frontline. I have been a huge fan of your pieces for years. Thank you!!!

[@schatzeeone6230]

Complaining about capitalism on a completely capitalist platform while using an electronic device completely brought to you by capitalism. Wow. That’s a special kind of stupid.

[@NWKBricks1]

@@schatzeeone6230 I guess you missed the part where I wrote"unfettered capitalism." Also, the internet was not brought to us by capitalism. It was government funding that did.

[@tristanrangel8968]

as an essential worker , I thought I had it bad but then I looked at this video and made realized that most people live in worse conditions. Honestly it is bullshit how companies covered things up and not let the employees and workers know about what is going on. The essential workers have my respect all the fucking time because they sacrifice their lives for us to live. agriculture workers have my respect. thank you for what you guys do❤️ seriously.

[@daniellartey7898]

The workers of Central Valley of California are people who do not have choices as per jobs because to stop leaves one in limbo as can be said and do have the expenditures of life to take care of so it is a matter of life and death as the coronavirus is contagious among workers who cannot do social distancing owners of work places must be under orders of federal government to protect their work forces who help feed the people of the country.

[@seipher_8334]

This is what happens when we don't form unions and stick together! Also the few unions that are in control now have become corrupt selling out their fellow workers! We need to form stronger new unions and have oversight to ensure the union president doesn't sell us out for a bonus from the corporation!

[@CaptainJackSparrow110]

If these jobs became unionized, they unions would first fight to raise the wages and require the employers to prove the workers are legal residents of the USA. I agree. They should be deported and replaced with legal residents and citizens.

[@TheLinuxYes]

Corporate Murca has been destroying Solidarity for the last 40 years. and it's worked.

[@boosteddaily1294]

@@CaptainJackSparrow110 Stop trolling.

[@CaptainJackSparrow110]

@@boosteddaily1294 I will if you will. And -- not an argument.

[@boosteddaily1294]

@@CaptainJackSparrow110 You have no use.

[@christopherdennis4280]

Thanks Front Line!!

[@jingwu5075]

WOW POSITIVE AND HAVE TO GO TO WORK. IT IS SLAVERY

[@kisotkevkisovev5357]

Yea. It's criminal. They're under cutting Americans who won't work for $7 - $8 per hour. It angers me as an American.

[@CesarHernandez-ht5ex]

A el govierno no le importa nada de lo que esta pasando en este mundo.gracias a todos por todo lo que acen por nosotros.que dios los vendiga. Sigan peliando por sus derechos somos humanos.

[@uranagic]

this is the american truth...may god keep you all safe

[@gear14]

These employers sound greedy cause they don’t want to be responsible for the worker when the worker is the company, without the worker you have nothing but land

[@lauriemrdjan]

So many companies and industries threaten people's jobs if they don't come in, even when they are sick. They infect the other workers and then those workers are threatened. So much of a manager's job is threatening the employment of sick employees. If you don't already know this. Then you are truly a blessed person.

[@labelledujour5855]

Well they're been pressured by the president of united states so they have no choice.

[@lauriemrdjan]

@@labelledujour5855 as a private company, they most certainly do have a choice. In a capitalist society, the government does not run these businesses, that would be communism.

[@albertchehade9916]

Beats the crap out of me at how such a wonderful country that America thinks it is, yet you vote in trump as your 45th president???? Absolute sheer lunacy!!!

[@TheLinuxYes]

Murcan Capitalists value their company stock and stuff more than People.

[@albertchehade9916]

@@jimhabsfan Yes, true.....but the entire country is suffering at the hands of this moron. Let's hope that the sheep, and the college vote numbers, favor someone else with more than the 2 brain cells that the current 'super genius' has working for him. Thanks:)

[@alexzamora7837]

Im woke the government is not on our side at all

[@williamjones933]

You're the problem....when did you wake up? Is this somehow new or enlightening in some way? If so that means you've lived most of your life blind and now just decided to care.

[@leeleelightandlove6345]

Better late than never. Thank god there are still people with minds open enough to be shown the truth and not call it fake news

[@mrp1924]

Another great documentary Frontline, I can only watch this one once because of the cow being pulled up on one leg with a chain. I’ve changed what I eat, I should have done it a long time ago.

[@shirleydrake1602]

What about the poor beast who is down and someone is standing on her nose so she can’t breath. There always seems to be enough sociopaths to keep those places stocked with non caring, non feeling people. If there is a hell, these people will maybe try to breath with someone standing on their face.

[@mrp1924]

@@shirleydrake1602 I know and agree ,I don't eat meat anymore, I should have done it a long time ago, I can also donate what I can, i wish i could do more, it's a good thing now with social media people see where and how their food comes from.

[@aaronbirook4367]

@@shirleydrake1602 No, G-d doesn't care about animals he cares about people. Animals are soulless beasts meant for food or labor.

[@shirleydrake1602]

Aaron, Bless your heart, not to be to rude but you are either nuts, or have zero knowledge of God’s nature. He cares about the smallest sparrow. That falls from the sky. Humans do eat animals. Many are used for food. Prey animals and carnivores all inhabit this planet together, but none are allowed to be needlessly cruel to another living feeling being. I’m surprised the situation, as it stands, has been allowed to continue as long as it has. The things that become soulless are the humans inflicting unnecessary pain on the beast. Sometimes I wonder if there’s some form of aptitude test given to slaughter house workers. “You must have a tendency toward psychopathy”, because there seems to be many congregated in the profession. Not everyone, but plenty, seems to be nuts. I expect they kick their dog and beat their children. Even though God has given the dominion over plants and animals to humans, I don’t think the intent was the deliberate unnecessary cruelty of one species over another. It should be eliminated. Since you think humans are the only ones with a soul to protect, surly with a thinking intellect along with opposable thumbs, a better way can be found.

[@aaronbirook4367]

@@shirleydrake1602 All that you wrote means nothing. Animals exist to please and serve us, that's all. If you wanna give your paycheck to save a polar bear go ahead. But stay out of my face and wallet, no basis in the Bible to support your DEMOCRAT/LIBERAL PROGRESSIVE talking points.

[@uWsVorheeZ]

I worked those fields A long time as a highschool dropout. let me tell u, those r some of the best people in the world. Because I was so stupid as a kid, when I first started I wouldn't pack lunch, and no one would ever let me go hungry. I will never forget those times or those people. I hope God allows me to some day be able to help my people out there

[@mduduzigama5534]

PBS gets straight As 👌👌👌

[@lukehuelsman1083]

This whole country had to sacrifice between our jobs and sheltering in place. If it wasn't for the nuts that have been freaking out and buying 3 shopping carts at a time then possibly these people get to stay home. I blame all politicians for not giving relief to the people they have been destroying. The pandemic is being used as a political weapon. People need to wake up.

[@richardwilmotph.d6747]

I thought we got rid of slavery.

[@flight4twenty3]

Not quite. They are getting paid

[@dertythegrower]

I thought people with a PhD could think and open their eyes, and capitalize their name at least while pretending to be internet doc

[@TheLinuxYes]

Hide it right out in the open.

[@richardwilmotph.d6747]

@@TheLinuxYes Yes! Like the Marines teach: hide in plain sight.

[@hammer1312]

No it's been going on forever and probably will continue unless WE do something about it. Like starting with voting trump OUT OF OFFICE.

[@mkl5448]

The average person has no clue on how the country works, nor do they care to learn. Very sad. And the failures of our government just keep coming, they are normalizing that feeling and it's terrible. Great documentary though, but a little tough to watch. We can do so much better than this.

[@kateskeys]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ These Frontline documentaries are fantastic. Thank you to everyone for all your hard work producing quality programming such as this I am grateful and should have said thanks decades ago- but ESPECIALLY NOW - so BLESS YOU ALL. IRONICALLY- It appears not one trump supporter is even aware of all you do. I will share these videos and blow your horn from here to kingdom- come. Kate

[@christiansantos7164]

Thank you for telling their story. We love you for it!

[@hhairball9]

Good job on this report!

[@TheBigJc69]

This video has a strong message! Too bad these things are happening here. It shows how bad people are still being treated even while we are going through such horrible times 💔

[@michelleburkes2535]

😭😭😭

[@tomaswarner5463]

I drive by and see these workers and always think how hard they work. I will see them this weekend going to Monterey. All conditions and thought how are they going to do their job? These same people get on a bus and go to Arizona and work the fields there also. The hardest workers by far with the lease respect.

[@Phxshadowz]

Corporate greed. Sickening..... I hope everyone is make list of these companies.

[@critogni]

Thank you Frontline. Some day, these company guys will look back at their failures as human beings - this being one of them.

[@noeramos8675]

I would help set up appointments for covid test for people around the country, and a majority of them were workers like these wonderful people. Hurts so much to see my own people suffer so much.

[@donnagpalk912]

I feel bad for her having cancer & her disabled family. Folks come here for a better life & they have it hard like us poor Americans you don't hear about.I'm a disabled 63 yrs old & disabled. I get 804:00 each month. $350 just for living in a small run down trailer. Now I have my 8 yr old gson to raise. His dad, my son lives here now helping. He's essential worker at McDonald's. There is no paid relief to stay home sick or 14 day. My gson has outgrown his cloth's. I have no cable TV or internet. Only phone. I know her worry. Covid would take me out with my bad heart & all my health problems. Blessings to all💞 USA🇺🇸 Tennessee💞

[@katej.2486]

I hope those men torturing those cows...get the same thing done to them. Shut that place down!

[@Mrpachuko13]

God helps those that help themselves. Don't just think and pray and hope that God is going to do everything for you.

[@kevinpoole4323]

We cant Work that Hard, Bless You

[@dingodingo82]

Americans need undocumented workers to pick our food and cook for them, Americans also need Chinese to manufacture their product yet always find a way to demonize them both. And you wonder why have the social problems you do.

[@Jenniferamu]

Thank you SO much for posting this. The truth. I will never again purchase another thing from these selfish companies again. Disgusting. These poor families💔

[@Cindy-ls3dj]

You talk it but will never walk it.

[@Jenniferamu]

@@Cindy-ls3dj That's a very strange comment. Happy Valentine's day❤

[@ritagoforth2317]

Thank you Frontline for this excellent documentary. My heart aches for those workers and I am praying for them. This is just more proof that companies only care about the bottom line and not their employees! Thank the workers for me, we need to get that evil administration out of Washington!🙏

[@shirleydrake1602]

They are all evil.

[@123saycheese]

Dr. Cuevas 🙌🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@nordwest23]

Myheart goes out to you all... i appreciate your hard work, i cannot say enoughMAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES!!!

[@theamerican7080]

This documentary leaves out some very inconvenient truths.

[@onedaysoon3]

I think I have forgotten how scary it was early in the pandemic.

[@bmpropro3305]

I doesn't matter what job a person does: if one works they should be able to afford a decent living. When an economy fails to gives this basic premise the system must be changed. It's failing. The whole point is to live better as whole. This "whole" is all of us, humanity. Time to stop thinking about different tribes and keeping living in comforts that are in fact created by the extreme pain and sadness of others. If you wonder that it's hard to understand social dynamics these days, this is it: The effects of exploitation.

[@aprildemroff9270]

This is just awful! This whole pandemic and how our government has handled it makes me sick....

[@madameclark3453]

45:52 agricultural workers are 3x more likely to contract COVID 19

[@CaptainJackSparrow110]

Anecdotal nonsense. Doesn't really add to the science and facts. See: my comment nearby.

[@boosteddaily1294]

@@CaptainJackSparrow110 Stop trolling.

[@CaptainJackSparrow110]

@@boosteddaily1294 See: my reply on another comment.

[@lifevest1]

I’m a supply planner for a cheese company and our plants can only churn out so much due to covid social distancing. Sales and customers constantly yell at us cause we can’t produce as much and short orders. Wish those idiots only knew how hard it is right now for these manufacturing workers!

[@rodneystrong3653]

Tell this to retail workers in America or health care worker or many other essential workforce.

[@heidinolen873]

Oooh, I'm watching this January 5th, 2021. It's sooo much worse.

[@ddwwssttaanngg]

Great Frontline video as always! Superb!! A++ I just can't help but wonder do this videos actually change anything? Yes we get educated this is happening but does it really change anything? Employers never do the right thing only the cheapest thing. OSHA has become totally useless in the United States, just look up the number of employer citations next to none in some states, and some states have there own OSHA where you can get away with anything dangerous in the work place, with no enforcement. I always think about the quote, "Evil prevails when good people fail to act" Now days some good people want to act but can't due to fear. We are powerless to stop the evil.

[@lymarie1974]

At 31:43 deer in headlights when she asked to they get paid if they decided to quarantine? His nose goes up and says no they can file for unemployment, how if they are undocumented? What true choice do we have? we have to work as Cynthia said: who is going to pay my bills? So many including myself and family have underlining illnesses and have to work.

[@eginteractive]

My question is, why should the employer be forced to pay someone who doesn't show up for work because they can't qualify for unemployment because they're here illegally? That's not the employers fault, that's the employees fault. At my job I was told the same thing, if I didn't feel safe working I could apply for unemployment, I didn't but other co-workers did and they had no problems because they are citizens. The company is nice enough to let people even do that. Some companies will fire you and cite a reason that makes you ineligible for unemployment (since they pay into it).

[@donnaallgaier-lamberti3933]

I have nothing but empathy for these farm workers, they work in the heat, the rain, the humidy....My husband also is an essential worker who works for Menard's and for months and months they did not provide masks, gloves, sanitizer etc. We provided for ourselves and friends helped out with homemade masks.....and no "battle pay" either....just the normal minimum wage.

[@darla4443]

God please take care of the farm workers...I know God is technology and I know he sees what I read....please take care of them just as if they were u.s. citizens...they are your people...

[@Arcenia13]

Thank you Frontline! Impressive journalism, I had no idea what was occurring. Brings about more gratitude when I bless the food my family is going to have to nourish our body. May God be with those who harvests and keep them safe!

[@dqskymagne2762]

At 15:45, the congressman says "this is a once in a century pandemic". Really? Can you support that statement? When the woman calls the van to say that they're waiting in the cold, the guy says it's still 5 minutes till the scheduled arrival time. Solution? Wait inside, come out when the van arrives. The van driver tells her to relax. That's funny, not dramatic. Much of this is drama created by Frontline for the camera, even that we can hear both sides of the phone conversation. I like these Frontline shows, I think they put the spotlight on some important issues. But I always have a problem with the somber-toned, drama-infused music they constantly use that tells you what to feel. Let the issues and the real drama speak for themselves. Frontline is trying to be a voice for issues that need to be heard. It would be nice if they could be an honest voice.

[@colleenpahl8965]

People are crowding planes, amusement parks, etc. at least they’re outside. I just don’t understand any of this. Nothing is making sense.

[@sarafinaornelas980]

How could u abuse cows like that

[@djb-illy8471]

Love frontline ♥️♥️♥️

[@romeoalmodobal141]

Working closed to each other meaning they will infect each other? Why? Do they have covid19 ea h of them? Or one of them? If one of them is infected why should tthat one infected goes to work? If u are ssick you will feel it and you have to rest at home ..its a paranoia to think that every one has infected evry whre youu go,,

[@DIVISIONINCISION]

This has been going on in the West for over 100 years. COVID-19 hasn't exposed anything new here. If these corporations cared about their workers, they would have paid sick leave for those who tested positive. I hope that lady made it through the cancer.

[@deniseharden958]

Capitalism at its finest.

[@topgrain]

Look at Trump sitting there with partner-in-ignorance, Ron DeSantis.

[@MrPromerican]

Love pbs...

[@unknown572]

Dios bendiga a todos aquellos qué por su trabajo y riesgo, podemos encontrar alimentos!. Saludos desde México

[@RC-mi3xs]

The fact that many workers don't have legal papers to work and they cannot ask for unemployment when they get sick. The government takes part of their check all they time, yet they cannot claim unemployment benefits at all. :-(

[@billdavis6978]

“It’s up to them if they wanna seek unemployment “ you’d be surprised how many companies tell workers they’re not eligible. Maybe this company told them the correct info, but especially at smaller companies, workers are told they can’t file or collect. Some even do this when there is no work, but they expect the worker to be available and waiting at home without pay for their call.

[@tinawoods8847]

I work for a huge grocery chain. Even with symptoms we are pressured into working through them. American families are depending on you to keep food on the shelves. We now get trucks 7 days a week to keep up. The load sizes have tripled. I have messages showing managers being strong armed to work through confirmed covid tests, stating that "you're not showing symptoms so there's no reason you can't work"

[@solodiamante]

I am speachless, what a intense documentary.

[@standepain]

No grocery store worker or food plant worker should have to pay taxes until this is over. They make peanuts and are risking their lives.