Volume 2, Issue 2
Socioeconomic Characteristics of Workers and Working Conditions in Nurseries and Greenhouses
Although there were variations from grower to grower, the industry peak season covered the months starting in February and ending in May. During peak months, working hours averaged 9.1 hours a day or 51.5 hours per week. During slack months, workers averaged 7.1 hours a day or 36.1 hours per week. The average wage rate reported by nurseries and greenhouses was $7.89 per hour. Most of the workers had access to rest and lounging areas, sanitation facilities, and drinking water. Nurseries and greenhouses provided their workers limited housing benefits, dental and medical insurance, and retirement benefits.
Source: Posadas, Benedict C., Patricia R. Knight, Christine H. Coker, Randal Y. Coker, and Scott A. Langlois. 2010. Socioeconomic Characteristics of Workers and Working Conditions in Nurseries and Greenhouses in the Northern Gulf of Mexico States. Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station Bulletin 1182, Mississippi State, Mississippi.