Category: Labor
EPA proposes rule to protect farmworkers and pesticide handlers from exposures
The Worker Protection Standard regulations offer protections to over two million agricultural workers and pesticide handlers who work at over 600,000 agricultural establishments.
Final H-2A rule tightens housing laws, increases government enforcement ability
Program changes include governmental authority to ban from the program for misconduct, upgrades to housing and inspections, updates to bond requirements, mandatory electronic filing, and changes to how wages are determined.
Newsom cuts deal and signs union card-check bill
AB 2183, a purported vote-by-mail union organizing measure by Assemblyman Mark Stone passed in the California Legislature despite a veto threat from Governor Newsom.
Heat illness prevention: What is “adequate?”
Almond Board of California in partnership with AgSafe is helping growers stay compliant and get through harvest safely.
Commentary: Water, rest and shade are critical amid summer heat
California farm employers have shown clear understanding of the hazards heat can pose to outdoor employees, particularly agricultural employees, and how to protect them from those hazards.
Funding enhances best-in-class agtech training by Western Growers
Curriculum development begins immediately, will be fully implemented by June 2025, and will assist 2,750 students and specially train 330 professors in California colleges.
Western Growers’ challenge to COVID-19 workplace safety rule rejected
The bid for a preliminary injunction was denied, with the court saying worker protections outweigh the burden placed on employers to provide safety. A revised version of the rule goes into effect Jan. 14.
California employers see changes in wage rules in 2022
Wage laws and minimums are changing, animals’ living conditions require improvements, along with many other laws beginning in 2022.
Dept. of Labor issues AEWR for the employment of H-2A workers
The 2022 Adverse Effect Wage Rates are applicable Dec. 29, 2021.
Farm Bureau, National Immigration Forum partner in citizenship effort
The state accounts for one in every three farmworkers in the country, with an estimated 800,000 people working in agriculture at some point during the year.
California Department of Insurance cracks down on farm labor contractor
After reporting no payroll in order to pay lower workers’ compensation rates and other illegal activities, the labor contractor has been arraigned on 15 felony counts of insurance fraud, grand theft and tax evasion.
California producers help in getting ag employees citizenized
California Farm Bureau will contract with the National Immigration Forum to provide naturalization application services and counseling, and will pay for immigration services that farmers and ranchers request on behalf of their employees.
California Farm Labor Contractors plan annual forum
Any ag labor-related professionals are invited to attend the virtual meeting, which will be presented in English and Spanish and feature over 30 educational classes.
Heat injury, illness work settings pursued by OSHA
2021 had record-breaking heat, with the hazard disproportionately affecting workers of color. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has begun the process of considering a heat-specific workplace rule.
Ag industry targeted with law firm’s expansion in California
The new attorneys join from The Saqui Law Group and expand Fisher Phillips’ employment and labor relations capabilities in the growing agriculture industry in California and nationally.