Final answer:
Strawberry pickers endure significant hardships such as low wages, physically demanding work, exposure to harmful chemicals, and lack of legal protections, of which low wages are highlighted as the worst according to Eric Schlosser.
Step-by-step explanation:
Strawberry pickers face numerous hardships including low wages, dangerous working conditions, and exposure to harmful chemicals. Eric Schlosser in his writings highlights the low wages as one of the most severe hardships faced by agricultural workers, as it impacts their overall living conditions and access to basic necessities.
The manual labor involved in strawberry picking is intensive and requires bending and stooping for long hours, often in extreme weather conditions. Strawberry pickers may also suffer from repetitive motion injuries and other physical ailments due to the nature of their work. Furthermore, they often work without adequate legal protections, healthcare, or representation.
Another significant issue faced by strawberry pickers is the use of pesticides and chemicals in the fields, which can lead to long-term health problems. Moreover, the migrant status of many workers can lead to exploitation and lack of access to basic rights and services.