Watch H-2 Worker

H-2 Worker is a documentary-style film released in 1990 that explores the lives of migrant workers who are brought to the United States to work on sugar cane plantations in Florida. The film delves into the harsh realities of the H-2 visa program and exposes the inhumane conditions these workers are subjected to. The film features Jervis Anderson, a Bahamian worker who has been coming to Florida to work in the sugar cane fields for over 20 years. Anderson serves as the audience's guide throughout the film, and his personal experiences provide a poignant and intimate look at the struggles faced by these workers.

The film begins with the arrival of a group of workers from Jamaica, who have been promised steady work and fair wages by the recruitment agencies. However, as soon as they arrive, they are herded onto buses and taken to ramshackle housing units that are infested with rats and roaches. The workers are then transported to the fields, where they work 12-hour shifts in the sweltering heat with no shade or protection.

The film then focuses on the tactics used by the companies to keep the workers compliant and prevent them from unionizing. The workers are kept in debt to the company store, where prices are inflated to the point where they cannot afford to buy basic necessities. They are also threatened with deportation if they complain or try to leave.

Throughout the film, the workers share their stories of misfortune, including being cheated out of wages, being injured on the job, and being forced to work in dangerous conditions. We see the effects of this exploitation on their families, as they struggle to make ends meet and deal with the physical and emotional toll of their work.

One of the most compelling aspects of H-2 Worker is the way it presents the workers as individuals with their own unique stories and struggles. Belinda Goffe, a Jamaican worker, shares her frustrations with the system and her longing to provide a better life for her children. George Cesvette, a Haitian worker, discusses his experiences dealing with racism and the struggle to maintain his cultural identity while living in the U.S.

The film is shot in a stark, verité style, with no narrator or outside commentary. The camera simply observes the workers as they go about their daily lives, providing an unvarnished look at the exploitation and injustices faced by these individuals. The film's ending is unforgettable, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer long after the credits roll.

In conclusion, H-2 Worker is a powerful and compelling documentary that sheds light on the harsh realities faced by migrant workers in the United States. It serves as a stark reminder of the injustices that continue to occur in the name of capitalism, and the human toll of these practices. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in social justice or labor issues.

H-2 Worker is a 1990 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 6 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.