A research on working conditions and problems of seasonal agricultural workers; sample of Karasu district of Sakarya

When people who are engaged in only agriculture throughout their entire lives come to cities, they are employed without security at low wages. Seasonal agricultural workers who leave their settlements for a short time and try to make room for their economic expenses in other regions do not have any rights other than the wages they receive. Seasonal agricultural work manifests itself in the society as a job that lacks the right to social security and works under heavy conditions. Seasonal agricultural work, which has a large share in Turkey farming, has an important place for agricultural labor and production. Because it has a dynamic structure that strengthens the workforce. Agriculture which is the heart of Turkey's economy shows its existence and structure with seasonal workforce more. The purpose of the research is to examine the problems experienced in seasonal agricultural labor and the general situation of seasonal agricultural in Turkey. In this respect, it is aimed to determine the problems of seasonal agricultural workers in education, transportation, sergeant system, nutrition, health, marginalization, wages and working conditions. In the study, questions about the working conditions and living conditions of seasonal agricultural workers who came to Sakarya-Karasu to collect hazelnuts were organized, and a total of 150 seasonal agricultural workers were interviewed in August and September 2019. Sociological observation and interview method was used in the study. The data obtained from the interviews were interpreted according to the results of the survey method. Considering the data obtained as a result of the study, problems are observed in the working conditions of seasonal agricultural workers. Seasonal agricultural workers work an average of 12 hours a day. The 12-hour working period exhausts workers physically and mentally. It was stated that seasonal agricultural workers worked 12 hours a day, but their daily wages were 85TL in 2019. Seasonal agricultural workers, who do not have social security, have difficulties in going to the hospital when they have an accident while collecting hazelnuts. At the same time, it was observed that 84% of them did not have a second job when they returned to their places of residence, despite the difficulties they faced in terms of education, not being able to meet their shelter, nutritional needs sufficiently, and not be able to do their bathroom and personal cleaning. It can be said that the data obtained are very important. It has been observed that seasonal agricultural workers maintain their existence in a lifestyle that does not coincide with human values. When we consider human values and lifestyle, the lives of seasonal agricultural workers are insufficient in all aspects. Until adequate conditions are achieved, improvements and arrangements should be made in favor of seasonal agricultural workers.