The most recent Christian Century magazine has an encouraging article about the Broetjes', who run one of the biggest family-owned orchard companies in the U.S. In 2006 their apple crop was damaged and they could have claimed insurance -- if the full-time and migrant workers were laid off and the crop went unpicked. http://www.christiancentury.org/article.lasso?id=5695
This Christian family decided that it was more important to provide employment for their workers even if it meant no profit on the crop for that year. The rest of the article shows how the family, whose one million trees are under the name of First Fruits orchards (a biblical term) have always sought to honour God. They have given 75% of the profit from most of the orchards and 100% of the cherry profits to charitable causes. They have made sure that their employees had above-standard housing, medical care and education for their children. What a great story.
Right now there is an effort in Ontario to unionize farm and orchard labourers to protect their interests. I listened to a Ontario union rep on the CBC who readily conceded that many farm and orchard owners in this province treat their workers well, but some are exploitive. I have spoken with two orchard owners in this area who employ seasonal workers from other countries and obviously care about their health and well-being. The union is looking to insure workers rights through legislation. This may work, but ultimately the good will of the owners is necessary.
It's good to hear of people who are motivated by faith to do the right thing. Read the article and let me know what you think.
Thanks for sharing this article. It's an amazing story of love for one's neighbour. I especially connected with their servant leadership. It sounds like they really care for the people they employ and sincerely want to make this a better world.
ReplyDeleteYes, Deb, it was one of those stories that just made me feel good and to realize that Christian folk in the "real world" can make a difference.
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