Champions of productivity: pains and fevers in São Paulos sugarcane plantations

Abstract

Since 1970, the sugar cane agro-industry has been going through modernization and production diversification processes that have guaranteed its expansion beyond traditionally productive regions. In recent years, these processes have received more attention due to sugar cane and alcohols favorable conditions in the international market and to the international investments in the sector. These changes affect the labor market dynamics, selection processes, kinds of labor agreements, organization of agricultural labor, as well as workers profile. In this context, agricultural entrepreneurs still give priority to hiring migrant workers during the sugar cane harvest. The main reason for this preference is the high productivity of these workers in cutting sugar cane. Since childhood, they have been used to the hard work on the land to ensure means of survival to their families. The work at the sugar cane plantations does not scare them, even when the demands put them at the limit of their physical capacities, deteriorating their body and bringing serious consequences to their health. This article shows the deterioration of work conditions in sugar cane plantations and exposes palliative measures put in practice by sugar factory proprietors in order to improve work conditions and not to alter productivity levels, remuneration and production control.