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Federal Sanctions Highlight Ag Workers' Rights
Department of Labor enforcing employment laws to the benefit of migrant and seasonal workers.
August 04, 2011 /Government PR News/ -- Farm labor can be some of the most difficult, dangerous work in America. On top of the grueling hours and often harsh conditions, some laborers in the agriculture industry are not fairly compensated by their employers. One recent Department of Labor enforcement action serves as a reminder to farm labor companies that all agricultural workers enjoy a broad range of legal protections.
Wage and Safety Violations
After a string of accidents last year that caused the deaths of half a dozen seasonal farm workers, the U.S. Department of Labor launched an investigation into the business operations of two well-known California farm labor contracting firms.
Mid-Valley Labor Services and the Ayala Corporation were found to be in violation of the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act. Both companies failed to provide safe transportation for workers that could have prevented accidental deaths -- among other concerns, some drivers working for the companies did not have valid licenses or were not properly insured.
Wage violations were also rampant. Several dozen farm employees were not paid within a reasonable amount of time, were not paid at all for labor conducted outside the fields or were charged unlawful transportation fees.
Mid-Valley Labor Services and Ayala Corporation will have to fork over almost $100,000 to cover worker back pay and Department of Labor fines arising out of the violations.
All Periodic Farm Workers Protected
Although many agricultural workers are not aware of it, the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act contains provisions that shield them from employer abuses. For instance, labor companies must provide the terms of employment in writing at the time of recruitment, post worker protection informational notices at jobsites, distribute pay in a timely fashion, and complete with itemized statements of earnings and deductions.
In addition, any employer-provided housing or transportation must comply with stringent federal and state safety and health standards.
Vindicate Your Rights
If you are a seasonal or migrant worker and believe that your supervisors may be unlawfully putting your health, safety or pocketbook at risk, contact a California employment attorney today.
Remember, farm workers of all stripes are under the protection of U.S. law. Your attorney can help find a legal solution to unsafe or unfair working conditions.
Article provided by Blumenthal, Nordrehaug & Bhowmik
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