FA R M L A B O R I N F O R M AT I O N B U L L E T I N
Voice of the Fields California
April 2019
FREE
H-2A Agricultural Recruitment System
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he H-2A Agricultural Recruitment System is a process facilitated by the Employment Development Department (EDD) staff through the America’s Job Center of CaliforniaSM (AJCC) to help employers recruit U.S. workers for the H-2A Program. The H‐2A Program is a U.S. temporary visa program that allows agricultural employers to hire foreign workers on a seasonal or temporary basis to perform agricultural work when they cannot find U.S. workers that are qualified, able, willing, and available.
How to Find and Apply for H-2A Jobs job seekers have many options:
Steps to apply for an H-2A job:
Visit a local AJCC to look for job postings or listings titled Job Announcement Agricultural Recruitment System, or ask an EDD Representative for H-2A jobs on the desired activity, crop, herd, and/or location. Search for H-2A agricultural jobs available in the CalJOBSSM website at www.caljobs.ca.gov using keywords like H-2A or farmworker. Contact an AJCC via phone, e-mail, and/or letter and ask an EDD Representative for H-2A jobs on the desired activity, crop, herd, and/or location.
1 The Job seeker provides the H-2A job number from the AJCC posting, listing, or CalJOBSSM search, to an EDD representative at any AJCC, or selects from the H-2A options provided by the EDD representative. 2 The EDD Representative checks that the job seeker qualifies for the selected H-2A job and contacts the H-2A employer to introduce the qualified job seeker.
The AJCC EDD representatives may identify eligible job seekers registered in CalJOBSSM and notify them of H-2A job opportunities. Whether the process starts with a job seeker’s visit to the AJCC, a CalJOBSSM search, or a contact via phone call, e-mail, or letter, the job seeker must get assistance from an EDD Representative to apply for the H-2A jobs.
3 Job seekers referred by the EDD Representative get a hired or not hired response from the employer immediately during their AJCC visit. Via phone or e-mail no later than two business days after the assisted referral, or by letter no later than 10 calendar days after the assisted referral. 4 The job seeker contacts the AJCC no later than five days before the job start day to confirm availability. When the job ends, the job seeker can repeat the process to apply for other H-2A jobs.
Volume 29, Number 4 The H-2A Agricultural Recruitment System allows U.S. workers to have the same job opportunities and receive the same guarantees as the foreign workers contracted under the H-2A program. Such guarantees include higher minimum wage, and employer provided transportation and housing (for those who qualify), in addition to other guarantees that may not be available on other similar agricultural jobs that are not under the program. The H-2A program requires that job seekers visit an AJCC in person or contact via phone, e-mail, or letter an EDD Representative, to get direct assistance and referral to employers for H-2A jobs. The previous ensures that interested and/ or eligible job seekers are fully qualified for an H-2A job opportunity, and that employers comply with the regulations that protect U.S. workers employed under the H-2A program. The EDD Representatives assist the job seeker to locate and select an H-2A job, explain the job’s duties, inform the H-2A rights under the selected job, check if the job seeker has all the requirements to qualify for the H-2A job, and refer the qualified job seeker directly to the employer. Working with an EDD Representative also provides opportunity for the job seekers to get information and access to other programs and services available through the AJCC and/or its partners, which they may need, to overcome barriers to gain and/or maintain employment.
General Overview of H-2A Program Rights
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he Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) allows the employment of H-2A workers (foreign workers) only if it will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of US workers in similar jobs. The Department of Labor’s regulations governing the H-2A Program also apply to the employment of U.S. workers by an employer of H-2A workers in any work included in the approved job order or in any agricultural work performed by the H-2A workers during the period of the job order where U.S. workers are engaged in corresponding employment.
These provisions not only help protect U.S. workers in these types of jobs as much as it does the H-2A visa holders, but also serve as an incentive. Workers receive the same benefits whether they are coming from a foreign country or reside in the U.S. The benefit for a U.S. farmworker in applying for a job being offered under the H-2A program is that H-2A jobs offer higher pay and the peace of mind that comes with the guarantees and protections offered under the job order. To ensure that U.S. workers are not adversely impacted, foreign WORKERS and domestic U.S. WORKERS employed under an H-2A work contract have the same following rights: DISCLOSURE To receive WRITTEN INFORMATION in a language understood by the worker, no later than on the first day of work.
WAGES To be PAID at least twice per month at the rate stated in the work contract, receive an itemized written STATEMENT OF EARNINGS and DEDUCTIONS (pay stub) for each pay period, and guaranteed employment for at least THREE-FOURTHS (75%) of the total hours promised in the work contract. TRANSPORTATION Workers that qualify under the program for employer provided housing must have transportation, at no cost to the worker, between the housing and the worksite. All employerprovided transportation must meet applicable safety standards. HOUSING Housing must be available AT NO COST to the worker, for any worker who IS NOT REASONABLY able to return to his/her residence within the same day. Employees who qualify for
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housing must either get three meals per day at no more than a Department of Labor specified cost, or free and convenient cooking and kitchen facilities. OTHER PROVISIONS Employers must provide workers compensation insurance or equivalent, the necessary work tools at no cost to the worker, equal opportunity and not discriminate employees exercising their rights or helping others to do so, and H-2A job interview and jobs at no charge to the worker. This includes –employers and their agents, foreign recruiters, or anyone acting on behalf of the employer. Ask the EDD Representative for a complete disclosure of the employee rights under the H-2A program. Workers who believe their rights under the H-2A program have been violated can file confidential complaints. Please visit www.wagehour.dol.gov or call 1-866-4-USWAGE (1-866-487-9243) Job seekers can visit the EDD webpage at edd.ca.gov/Office_Locator or call 1- 877- 872-5627 to get the address and other AJCC contact information. Sources: www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/temporaryworkers/h-2a-temporary-agricultural-workers www.dol.gov/whd/posters/pdf/WHD1491Eng_H2A.pdf www.edd.ca.gov/jobs_and_training/Hiring_Foreign_ Workers.htm www.dol.gov/whd/ag/ag_h-2a.htm www.lacooperativa.org/apply-agricultural-h-2a-job/
Apprenticeship Programs In California
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n apprenticeship is a proven approach for preparing workers for jobs while meeting the needs of business for a highly-skilled workforce. It is an employer-driven, “learnwhile-you-earn” model that combines on-the-job training, provided by the employer that hires the apprentice. Apprentices receive hands-on training from an experienced mentor at the job site. On-the-job training focuses on the abilities and knowledge an apprentice must learn during the program to become skillful on the job.
There are a number of programs in California where farmworkers may be eligible to apply for apprenticeships. The apprenticeship programs vary in their requirements. Some may require high school diploma or its equivalent, while others may have more rigorous standards, and some have no educational requirement. Some programs require
you to take an aptitude or other kinds of test. There may also be a requirement of English proficiency. No matter the requirements, the qualities that all successful apprentices share include perseverance, ambition, and initiative. One example of an apprenticeship program in agriculture is the California
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Farm Academy Apprenticeship program, based out of Winters, California. They have a Beginning Farm and Ranch Managers program that is 24 months long and pays $11 per hour. The San Diego Viticulture Technician Apprenticeship Unilateral Training Committee in El Cajon, California is another program looking to train viticulture technicians. That program is also 24 months long and pays $10 per hour. To find an apprenticeship program in your county and in an occupation that might be of interest, visit the California Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Apprenticeship website and search their “Find an Apprenticeship Program” tool at: www.dir.ca.gov/databases/das/aigstart.asp .
L A C O O P E R AT I V A M E M B E R S P OT L I G H T
Proteus, Inc.
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stablished in 1967, Proteus, Inc. is a registered 501(c) (3) non-profit community-based organization that operates community, employment, and training programs. Their mission is to provide education, job training, job placement, and other support services to farm working families and other program participants. Their vision is to improve the quality of life of farmworkers and other participants by being the premier provider of services.
From its beginnings as an adult training center, Proteus, Inc. has evolved into a comprehensive service provider offering programs to low-income individuals and families. “I’ve had the pleasure of working for Proteus, Inc. since 1978, and I’ve seen it
change and evolve many times over,” says Robert A. Alcazar, Chief Executive Officer of Proteus Inc., “The one constant has been the clarity of purpose and sense of mission that every employee has committed to heart.” To keep true to their vision, each
Proteus employee has made a promise to provide compassionate, top-quality service to their customers. In return, employees are provided an equitable workplace where diversity is valued, open communication is appreciated, and teamwork is encouraged. Proteus also administers approximately 50 different programs concurrently ranging from adult, youth, and dislocated worker programs, to programs related to energy conservation, emergency supportive services, foster family services, youth services, migrant child care, community youth centers, child development programs, prevention services, pesticide safety training, and career and technical education classes. Visit www.proteusinc.org for more information.
Call or Visit a Proteus Service Center or One-Stop Location in Your Area Counties Served: Fresno, Kings, Kern, Tulare and Los Angeles
Delano Service Center
1816 Cecil Ave., Delano, CA 93215 (661) 721-5800
Dinuba Service Center 400 Tulare St. Ste. C, Dinuba, CA 93618 (559) 591-5701
London Community Center 5750 Ave. 378, Dinuba, CA 93618 (559) 595-0723
Foster Family Agency 265 N. Van Ness Ave., Fresno, CA 93701 (559) 499-2535
Fresno Service Center/J2K 1815 Van Ness Ave., Fresno, CA 93721 (559) 499-2140
Hanford Service Center
Reedley One-Stop Center
Kerman Service Center
Sanger Service Center
216 W. 7th Street, Hanford, CA 93230 (559) 582-9253
437 S. Madera Ave., Kerman, CA 93630 (559) 473-4489
Parlier Child Care Center
1680 E. Manning Avenue, Reedley, CA 93654 (559) 637-2444
2570 Jensen Ave, Ste. 108, Sanger, CA 93657 (559) 875-7146
Selma Service Center
8800 S. Academy Ave., Parlier, CA 93648 (559) 646-2735
3706 McCall Avenue, Ste.116, Selma, CA 93662 (559) 891-0135
Porterville Service Center
Visalia Service Center
54 N. Main, Ste. 10, Porterville, CA 93257 (559) 781-1852
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224 W 3rd Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 627-0100
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
The Center for Employment Training (CET) hereby invites public comment from interested parties, including low-income persons, community advocates, and service providers at a Community Services Block Grant Program (CSBG) Public Hearing on: Monday, May 20th, 2019 Time: 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Location: Center for Employment Training 24 Alvin Drive Salinas, CA 93906 (831) 424-0665 Tuesday, May 21st, 2019 Time: 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Location: Center for Employment Training 509 W. Morrison Avenue, Santa Maria, CA 93458 (805) 928-1737 Thursday, May 23rd, 2019 Time: 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Location: Center for Employment Training 398 S. Third Street, El Centro, CA 92243 (760) 337-6565
The Public Hearing is open to any person who is interested in providing opinions and advice to the CET Board of Directors about the needs of low-income residents, particularly migrant and seasonal farmworkers and other disadvantaged individuals. The following issues will be explored: • What kinds of services or assistance do farm workers and other lowincome people need to achieve self-sufficiency for their families? • What are the critical, unmet needs in the community? • How can CET and other programs that serve these individuals improve their services to the community? Attendees will be asked to complete a brief survey to prioritize the three most critical needs faced by low-income individuals in the region. The hearing will be conducted in English and Spanish. Come early to complete the survey! Refreshments will be served.
Agricultural Jobs available to U.S. workers under H-2A contract You may apply for these jobs by phone or in person at your nearest Employment Development Department (EDD) field office Job Number
Job Title
Crop/ Livestock
Pay Rate
Start Date
End Date
Positions
County
America’s Job Centers of California (AJCC)
16552992
Farmworker
Celery
$13.92/hr.
6/1/19
11/30/19
120
Monterey
Salinas AJCC 831-796-3600
16499264
Farmworker
Various
$13.92/hr.
05/01/19
11/15/19
136
San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara
Santa Maria AJCC 805-614-1550
16515669
Farmworker
Strawberry
$13.92/hr.
5/6/19
11/8/19
150
San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara
Santa Maria AJCC 805-614-1550
16476369
Farmworker
Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kale, Lettuce, Green Beans
$13.92/hr.
04/07/19
12/01/19
506
Monterey, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito
Salinas AJCC 831-796-3600
Various
Beekeepers
Bees
$13.92/hr.
Continuous
Continuous
Various
California and Western States
Call your local AJCC or dial 1-916-654-7799 to find your nearest office
Various
Herders
Sheep
$2,133.52/monthly, 26 + employees; $1,955.74/month, 25 - employees
Continuous
Continuous
Various
California and Western States
Call your local AJCC or dial 1-916-654-7799 to find your nearest office
The H-2A temporary agricultural program allows agricultural employers who anticipate a shortage of domestic workers to bring nonimmigrant foreign workers to the U.S. to perform agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature. The H-2A employers must demonstrate that qualified U.S. workers are not available for the job and the employment of temporary foreign workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers similarly employed. Preference in hiring will be given to qualified U.S. workers before employers are allowed to bring in foreign workers under the program.
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DATES TO REMEMBER
radio bilingüe National Latino Public Radio Network
Wednesday May 22 10 am & 4pm
EDDResources Resources EDD
www.edd.ca.gov
Workforce Services AJCC Locator .............. 1-877-872-5627 CalJOBSSM ........................ 1-800-758-0398 Monitor Advocate, Report work related complaints......................1-866-289-8356 e-mail:..................madvocat@edd.ca.gov Unemployment Insurance English: ...........................1-800-300-5616 Spanish: ..........................1-800-326-8937 Disability Insurance English: .......................... 1-800-480-3287 Spanish: ..........................1-866-658-8846 Paid Family Leave English: .......................... 1-877-238-4373 Spanish: ......................... 1-877-379-3819 Ask EDD Request EDD information online: ....................................... askedd.edd.ca.gov
Voice of the Fields
California Circulation: 45,000 copies
www.LaCooperativa.org Published monthly by: La Cooperativa Campesina de California 1107 9th Street, Suite 420, Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone 916.388.2220 • Fax 916.388.2425 This product was funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The opinions expressed in this product are exclusive of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner. Content produced by ALZA Strategies, a full-service strategy firm that offers quality media relations, crisis communications, public affairs services, and expertise into the growing Latino market.
May Central Valley Opportunity Center Mobile Unit Date
Hours
Location
Contact
Thursday May 2, 2019 Friday May 3, 2019 Saturday May 4, 2019 Thursday May 9, 2019 Friday, May 10, 2019 Saturday May 11, 2019 Tuesday May 14, 2019 Wednesday May 15, 2019 Friday, May 17, 2019 Monday May 15, 2019 Friday, May 24, 2019 Tuesday May 28, 2019
7:30 AM12:00 PM 110:00 AM2:30 PM 9:00 AM1:30 PM 11:00 AM
PATTERSON Housing Authority, 506 Mayette St Heap Le Grange, Location TBD ATWATER Migrant Center, 9200 W. Westlake CHOWCHILLA Sports & Leisure Park, 625 N 15th St Heap Riverbank, 2400 Stanislaus St PLANADA Community Day. Houlihan Park, 9165 Stanford Ave LOS BANOS Migrant Center, 18926 W Henry Miller Rd WESTLEY Migrant Center,696 Livingston Circle Heap Patterson 798 F St MERCED Migrant Center, 2743 N Santa Fe Dr Heap Oakdale 470 E. A St MADERA Migrant Center, 925 N Plainsburg Rd
Lucio Cruz 209-357-0062 Lucio Cruz 209-357-0062 Lucio Cruz 209-357-0062 Lucio Cruz 209-357-0062 Lucio Cruz 209-357-0062 Lucio Cruz 209-357-0062 Lucio Cruz 209-357-0062 Lucio Cruz 209-357-0062 Lucio Cruz 209-357-0062 Lucio Cruz 209-357-0062 Lucio Cruz 209-357-0062 Lucio Cruz 209-357-0062
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