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
August 2020
FREE
Volume 30, Number 8
CENSUS 2020
Farmworker Communities May Be Underfunded
C
ENSUS ADVOCATES recently reported very low response rates in California’s agricultural regions like the San Joaquin Valley. These low numbers suggest that the state’s Latino population will go undercounted, and as a result, underrepresented and underfunded for the next ten years. With only four months left until Your Response Matters, census responses are calculated, experts and So Does Your Privacy worry that these areas will suffer from inadequate funding if more people do not respond to the Census questionnaire. Community services expected to take a major hit are schools, hospitals, and transportation, among other sectors. Congressional seats may also go unfilled without an accurate count of the population. In other words, your community won’t have the funding it needs for important services, and it won’t have the appropriate number of members to serve your community. The United States Congress is made up of elected officials that represent your voice to the federal government and make important decisions that affect you and your family. The number of Congressmembers in a state are determined by the number of people living in that state. Without congressional representation, your voice and your community go unheard.
As a resident of California, it’s not only in your best interest to complete the Census, it’s the law, even if you are not a U.S. citizen. Remember, your responses to the Census are private and protected by law, and you will not be asked about immigration status. The Census Bureau is legally obligated to keep your identity and the information you submit confidential. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are not allowed to use your responses against you for any reason. Your responses are not used for any other purpose except creating statistics that the federal government can use to determine population counts, funding, and political representation in your state.
Do your part and participate in the Census to ensure that your family and your community are counted, represented, and funded for the next decade. Don’t forget, there is still plenty of time to participate. Census forms were already mailed to every household with instructions on how to fill out and return the form. However, you can still respond online or by phone instead, even if your household has already received a form.
Fill out the Census form online: my2020census.gov
*To access the webpage in Spanish, simply click the language dropdown menu in the upper right-hand corner and click “Español”
Respond by phone: English: (844) 330-2020 Spanish: (844) 468-2020 Or respond by mail You can respond online, by phone, or by mail until October 31.
What You Need to Know about COVID-19 State and National Updates
still able to pass it along to others who may develop serious and Coronavirus cases are spiking across California. In many areas life-threatening health problems. Children and young people like Los Angeles and Sacramento, infection rates and hospitaliza- are also contracting the virus at unprecedented rates. This makes our previous assumption that children and young people are tions are the highest they have ever been since the start of the pandemic. In response, Governor Gavin Newsom reversed some unaffected by coronavirus very wrong. Young people are being affected, and they also have the potential to spread the virus to of the state’s plans to reopen: indoor activities were ordered to older family members who are often at higher risk of hospitalizastop at restaurants, breweries, movie theatres, fitness centers, tion. While it’s easy to feel like the pandemic isn’t as big of a deal places of worship, malls, hair salons, and other indoor locations. after four months of dealing with the crisis, it’s important that we Also, a recent order by Newsom makes face masks required by state law when in public. At the federal level, Senator Jeff Merkley remain aware of the risks of COVID-19 and do everything in our power to avoid spreading it further. recently introduced the Frontline At-Risk Manual (FARM) LaAccording to experts at the CDC and World Health Organiborers Protection Act, aiming to protect farmworkers and their zation, the United States has yet to even families from COVID-19. If passed, the STOP THE SPREAD OF GERMS hit the second wave of coronavirus outbill would provide 10 days paid sick leave, breaks which is predicted to be far worse Help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19. increased hourly pay for workers because than the first wave that we are currently in of their high-risk exposure to COVID-19, now. The second wave is expected to hit grants to fund Personal Protective Equipduring wintertime when the country will ment (PPE) and other sanitation efforts, also be entering cold and flu season, makand implement Center for Disease Control ing medical resources scarcer as health(CDC) sanitation recommendations on all care workers try to juggle treatment and work-related sites, such as farmworker job hospitalizations for multiple illnesses. Presites, housing, and transportation. paring for the second wave requires that Keep an eye out for school closures as we do everything in our power to slow the well because many districts in California spread of the first wave so that less people such as Los Angeles, Sacramento, Stockton, become infected and healthcare resources and Woodland - have reported that disare not overwhelmed heading into winter. tance learning will replace in-person classes In the meantime, elected officials and for the upcoming school year. The state’s cdc.gov/COVID19 medical experts still strongly urge people Superintendent of Public Schools, Tony to wear a mask in public, social distance Thurmond, said that California is focusing by at least six feet (while still wearing a mask), and not particifunding and resources on ensuring that every student has access to adequate WiFi and hotspots needed to make distance learning pate in any social gatherings with non-household friends and family. If you are worried that you may have contracted COpossible. Communicate with your child’s school to learn about any recent updates or changes. And remember, free meals are still VID-19, get tested. available to children. Find a meal distribution site nearest to you Testing in California in the “Information and Resources” section. COVID-19 testing is free to all Californians, even if you don’t have health insurance. While anyone can get a test, priority Health Updates testing is given to certain high-risk individuals like healthcare Center for Disease Control (CDC) experts recently found workers, people with symptoms, first responders and essential that 40% of coronavirus cases were asymptomatic, meaning workers, those working and living in group home facilities, and that 40% of people with the virus show no symptoms, but are Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
314915-A March 16, 2020 1:02 PM
2
gether interim guidance for agriculture workers and employers. The guide includes information about exposure risks for farmworkers, hygiene and sanitation recommendations, worker housing recommendations, personal protective equipment requirements, etc. English: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/ guidance-agricultural-workers.html Spanish: espanol.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-agricultural-workers.html California’s COVID-19 website, covid19.ca.gov, has a comprehensive COVID-19 information guide for immigrant Californians. The guide includes information about: state restrictions, ways to protect yourself and others, immigration help, public charge information for accessing public benefits, testing and The Future of Farming treatment, information on jobs, wages, The agriculture industry is one of the and benefits, small business support, housmany sectors hit hard by the ongoing ing, food and bills, community safety, and pandemic. The president of the California are all around you. protection against scams and information. Farm Bureau, Jamie Johansson, recently The guide is available in English and Spansaid that the state is expected to lose about ish. $8 billion by the end of the year. Part of English: covid19.ca.gov/img/wp/listos_ this loss is a result of restaurant closures, covid_19_immigrant_guidance_en_daf. especially now that restaurants are closing pdf indoor operations again. Restaurants are a Spanish: covid19.ca.gov/img/wp/listos_ significant part of the agriculture industry’s covid_19_immigrant_guidance_es_daf. business in addition to grocery stores. The pdf fact that so many restaurants are closFor more immigration-related inforing is detrimental to farming throughout mation and resources, visit the Califorthe state. Johansson also reported that nia Immigrant Guide website. There, you the bureau is working hard to prioritize Stay healthy. will find answers to all of your questions farmworker safety by hosting seminars, Wash your hands. about COVID-19, public charge, DACA educating farmers and employers, and updates, disaster relief, adult education distributing 10 million masks to Califorprograms, jobs, benefits, Census 2020 information, and so much nia farmworkers. Going forward, experts are unsure about the more. The site is available in English and Spanish. full scope of the COVID-19 crisis and how it will impact the English: immigrantguide.ca.gov/en agriculture industry, but for now, the state is hoping to mitigate Spanish: immigrantguide.ca.gov/es the impact on farmworkers and farming through education and To learn more about the coronavirus, how it spreads, and personal protective equipment. how to protect yourself, please visit the Center for Disease For more information, check out the CDC and U.S. DepartControl and California Department of Public Health websites ment of Labor’s guide for agricultural workers and employers, for regular updates and additional information. listed. CDC English webpage: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ Information and Resources faq.html The CDC and the U.S. Department of Labor recently put topeople who may have been exposed in a high-risk situation. Tests are available throughout the state at a variety of testing sites at in-person clinics and drive-through locations. In-person testing is available by appointment only. Find the location near you and register to be tested at lhi.care/covidtesting. If you do not have access to the internet, call 1-888-6341123. Services are available in English and Spanish. Drive-through testing requires screening beforehand. To complete your screening, go to www.projectbaseline.com/study/ covid-19/eligibility/. You will need a Google account in order to complete the screening. If you do not speak English, consider having a translator help you with the online form, as the initial instructions and Google account sign in is in English.
www.cdc.gov/handwashing
CS294906-F
Continued on page 4
3
COVID-19
Continued from page 3
have no childcare options, you can file an Unemployment CDC Spanish webpage: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ Insurance (UI) Claim. faq-sp.html The easiest way to file a UI claim is through UI online. CDPH English webpage: www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/ English: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/UI_Online.htm DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019.aspx Spanish: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/UI_Online_Espanol.htm CDPH Spanish webpage: www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/ DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019.aspx For instructions and information on how to apply, visit the More information about COVID-19 in English and Spanish: following webpage: aghealth.ucdavis.edu/covid19#resources English: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Filing_a_Claim.htm To find out what California workers need to know, visit the Spanish: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Filing_a_Claim_EspaEmployment Development Department nol.htm (EDD) and Labor & Workforce DevelopUnable to work as many hours because EMPLOYEE RIGHTS ment Agency’s (LWDA) websites. your employer shut down business or EDD English webpage: www.edd.ca.gov/ reduced your hours, you can file an Unemabout_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm ployment Insurance claim. EDD Spanish webpage: www.edd.ca.gov/ The easiest way to file a UI claim is through about_edd/coronavirus-2019-espanol. UI online. htm English: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/UI_OnLWDA English webpage: www.labor. line.htm ca.gov/coronavirus2019/(View Spanish: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/UI_OnLWDA information in Spanish using the line_Espanol.htm link at the top of the page) For instructions and information on how For information about coronavirus in to apply, visit the following webpage: California, visit covid19.ca.gov (Use the English: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/ “Translate” button in the upper rightFiling_a_Claim.htm hand corner to translate into Spanish) Spanish: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/ For local information, you should Filing_a_Claim_Espanol.htm also visit your county’s website to learn Unable to work because of exposure to about new developments in your community. Find your COVID-19 (verified by a medical professional), you can file a county’s website by going to www.counties.org/countyDisability Insurance (DI) claim. websites-profile-information. The easiest way to file a DI claim is through State Disability Insurance (SDI) online: Services Available to English: edd.ca.gov/Disability/SDI_Online.htm You and Your Family Spanish: edd.ca.gov/Disability/SDI_Online_Espanol.htm If you have been affected by layoffs or are unable to Watch a short Youtube video for information about how to work as a result of COVID-19, the Employment Development apply online: Department (EDD) offers resources and benefit programs English: www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7Wn4gBSZxc&featur like unemployment insurance, paid family leave, and disability e=youtu.be insurance. These services may be available to you for any of the Spanish: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVqLEyQY8fg&featu following reasons. If you are: re=youtu.be Missing work because your child’s school is closed and you PAID SICK LEAVE AND EXPANDED FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE UNDER THE FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT
Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act)
PAID LEAVE ENTITLEMENTS
Generally, employers covered under the Act must provide employees:
ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES
QUALIFYING REASONS FOR LEAVE RELATED TO COVID-19
telework
5.
1. 2.
6.
3. 4.
ENFORCEMENT
For additional information
WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
1-866-487-9243
dol.gov/agencies/whd
WH1422 REV 03/20
Continued on page 6
4
Workplace Safety and Information
Wildfires
I
N CALIFORNIA, wildfires are an unfortunate reality, especially during the hot summer months. But like many disasters, wildfires are unthinkable until they hit your community.
I
n 2019, California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (Cal/OSHA) passed a regulation that required employers to provide outdoor workers exposed to wildfire smoke with N95 masks to prevent smoke inhalation and health problems.
SAFETY STEPS FOR ANY DISASTER
The Kincade Fire of 2019 shocked communities throughout Sonoma County, and thousands of farmworkers were displaced and without the basic resources needed after evacuating their homes and worksites. This year has proved to be an even more rampant year for wildfires in California. As a result, the state encourages families to come up with a disaster plan, put together an emergency pack of goods, and be prepared just in case a wildfire hits your town. Listos California is a disaster preparedness campaign that provides Californians with information and resources in the event of any type of disaster like floods, earthquakes, and wildfires. Read through their Disaster Ready Guide to educate yourself and your family about what to do and how to prepare for an emergency. We also recommend cutting these pages out and putting them somewhere visible in your home, just in case you or your loved ones have to deal with a wildfire or other emergency. English: www.listoscalifornia.org/wpcontent/uploads/Disaster-ReadyGuide-Digital-SelfPrint-1.pdf Spanish: www.listoscalifornia.org/ wp-content/uploads/DisasterReady-Guide-Digital-SelfPrintSpanish-1.pdf
1.
Get alerts to know what to do.
2.
Make a plan to protect your people.
3.
Get to safety with things you need.
4.
Stay safe at home when you can’t leave.
5.
Help friends and neighbors get ready.
CalAlerts.org
2
BASIC TIPS FOR ANY DISASTER
1.
Carry Identification: Families may be apart when disaster strikes. People and pets get separated.
Everyone you care for should carry identification. Put written identification in children’s school bags. Consider a medical alert tag or bracelet. Get pets updated tags and microchips. Photos of families and pets can help you reunite.
2.
Build a Support Network: Have a backup plan in case of emergency. Think about who you can rely on.
Talk with your neighbors about their needs, and yours. Discuss disaster plans with caregivers. Ask schools about plans to reunite parents and children. Plan ahead for skilled helpers to assist with evacuations. Share keys with trusted friends to rescue your pets.
3.
Have Extra Medications and Power Supply: Many people can’t go three days without medications. Some need electricity to power equipment and devices.
Carry extra medicine when you leave home. Photo (or carry) list of doctors and prescriptions. Ask pharmacy to renew 30-day prescription at 28 days. Save extra doses in your Go Bag. Plan to keep medicine cold and charge equipment/devices.
4.
Reduce Stress: Lessen physical and mental stress by planning ahead.
Dial 211 to find shelters for specific needs. Label equipment before evacuation. Ask utility to warn of power shutoffs. Pack specialty medical and communication supplies. Plan to comfort those with Alzheimer’s or mental illness.
9
SAFETY TIPS: WILDFIRE BEFORE
Red Flag warning means prepare NOW.
Plan for no electricity. Don’t use candles.
Check that water hose is working.
Get bandana or mask to protect lungs.
English: www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/Complaint.htm. Spanish:www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/Spanish/Complaint.htm.
Clean gutters. Remove brush near home.
DURING
Don’t “wait and see”. Leave when told!
Leave smoky areas quickly.
Open or remove curtains, shades or blinds.
The regulation also requires that employers test the Air Quality Index at the beginning of each shift in areas exposed to a wildfire. If numbers reach an unsafe level, employers are required to do at least one of three things: relocate work to a safer outdoor location, provide an indoor location with clean air, or provide N95 masks if neither of those options are available. Employers are also required to provide employee trainings on the risks of wildfire smoke, how to use a respirator, and employee rights outlined in the regulation. At the time that this regulation was passed, N95 masks were in abundant supply and relatively inexpensive. The pandemic has changed all of that. N95 masks went from roughly 75 cents per mask to at least $6 per mask, and healthcare workers are also in desperate need of them to prevent contracting COVID-19. As more masks are mass produced and distributed throughout the United States, Cal/OSHA expects that farmworkers will have greater access to them in the middle of wildfire season. If you suspect that your employer is not following Cal/ OSHA health and safety requirements, workers can file a confidential complaint via telephone or email with the local Cal/OSHA district office. You can find your local office’s contact information and complaint instructions online in English or Spanish.
Close all doors and windows. Turn off Air Conditioner.
Prepare pets for evacuation.
14
5
Employees with work-related questions or complaints can also contact Department of Industrial Relation’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844522-6734).
COVID-19
Continued from page 4
Caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 (verified by a medical professional) you can file a Paid Family Leave (PFL) claim. The easiest way to file a PFL claim is through SDI online. English: edd.ca.gov/Disability/SDI_ Online.htm Spanish: edd.ca.gov/Disability/SDI_ Online_Espanol.htm For instructions and information on how to apply, visit the following webpage: English: edd.ca.gov/Disability/How_ to_File_a_PFL_Claim_in_SDI_Online.htm Spanish: edd.ca.gov/Disability/How_ to_File_a_PFL_Claim_in_SDI_Online_Espanol.htm Self-employed, you may have benefits available through the EDD’s benefit program. Visit the following links to determine your benefits: Self-employment benefits/English edd.ca.gov/disability/Self-Employed. htm COVID-19 FAQs English: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/faqs.htm Spanish :edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/faqs-espanol.htm
In response to COVID-19, free or reduced-cost food services are still available across California where families can go to get meals for their children. Most school districts, as well as other organizations, are offering meals for children to make up for meals that are no longer available during regular school days. Find the nearest meal distribution
site in your community using the free app “CA Meals for Kids,” created by the California Department of Education. You can pick-up meals for your children free of charge, no questions asked. Apple Store: apps.apple.com/us/app/cameals-for-kids/id1327449394 Google Play: play.google.com/store/apps/ details?id=gov.ca.cde.NSDMobileApp Microsoft Store: www.microsoft.com/enus/p/ca-meals-for-kids/9p7t6j276zz9? activetab=pivot:overviewtab
FILING YOUR TAXES: REMINDER FROM THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (IRS) ITIN is a number provided by the to those who do not have a Social Security number (SSN). For more information about ITIN holders, how to renew your number, and other important reminders, visit the following IRS webpage in English or Spanish. English: www.irs.gov/individuals/ number Spanish: www.irs.gov/es/individuals/ number
Wednesday August 26 September 23 10am
6
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 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, the growing Latino market.
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
