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
June 2018
FREE
Volume 28, Number 6
DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVAL
DACA Update
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RESIDENT BARACK OBAMA ANNOUNCED the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program in 2012. He emphasized that DACA was not a permanent fix, and that only Congress had the power to create a law that would formalize Dreamers’ immigration status. In August of 2016, then-candidate Donald Trump promised to terminate DACA immediately as part of his 10-point immigration plan. He claimed that DACA was an illegal executive amnesty that defied federal law. After President Trump was elected, he stated that he wanted to find a solution for Dreamers that would satisfy everyone. Unfortunately, on September 5, 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the Trump administration would be rescinding DACA. On January 9, 2018, Trump met with a bipartisan group of lawmakers to discuss a legislative fix for Dreamers. During this meeting, Trump suggested he would be willing to support a more comprehensive immigration reform. That
same evening, a San Francisco federal judge ordered the U.S. government to continue accepting all DACA renewals. Between January 11 and 15, bipartisan DACA discussions took a step back after it was reported that Trump used vulgar language to describe the countries of origin of many immigrants. On January 16, the U.S. Justice Department announced that it would ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review the federal court order that forced them to resume accepting DACA renewal applications. They also said they would appeal the case to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. On February 13, 2018 a New York federal judge also ordered the administration to accept all DACA renewals.
On February 26, 2018 the United States Supreme Court declined to hear the case before it was reviewed by the appeals court. This meant that the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals would hear the case. The March 5, 2018 deadline passed and nothing was done to resolve DACA. On April 24, 2018 a D.C. federal court ruled that the Trump administration must continue DACA in its entirety by accepting new applications and processing renewal applications. Federal Judge John Bates gave the Department of Homeland Security 90 days to explain the unlawfulness of the DACA program. If they fail to do so, they must continue the DACA program. Sources: www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2018/ jan/22/timeline-daca-trump-administrationand-government-/ www.nytimes.com/2018/04/24/us/daca-dreamers-trump.html www.cnn.com/2018/01/02/politics/dacaexplained/index.html www.ilrc.org/sites/default/files/resources/daca-infographic-20180430.pdf
EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT:
The Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Outreach Program
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HE EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT (EDD) created the Migrant and Seasonal Farm Worker Outreach Program (MSFW) to improve the working conditions of all farmworkers in California and to ensure these workers are aware of the services offered by the government. Through the MSFW Outreach Program, a full range of employment services is offered to farmworkers who otherwise would not have access to services through the intake process provided by the America’s Job Center of California network. In order to provide assistance to all workers that contribute to the state’s powerful economy, the MSFW Outreach Program is specifically designed for agricultural workers classified as migrant, seasonal, migrant foodprocessing workers as defined by federal law.
MSFW Outreach Workers at Your Service EDD employees regularly conduct community outreach efforts to provide farmworkers information about services offered by the department, other jobs, and local community centers. EDD employee’s role
in the MSFW program is to assist farmworkers and provide resources, and not to regulate or find fault with the farmworkers. Their function is to inform, observe, and assist all agricultural workers including H-2A workers. Oftentimes, MSFW outreach workers come from MSFW backgrounds, and have first-hand experience working in or around agriculture. These reliable and verified employees must receive permission before visiting worksites and living areas. Each worker corresponds with a particular California region, where they visit multiple agricultural worksites, schools, community events, community centers, and various other places where farm workers who may benefit from EDD services are located.
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In your Language
The MSFW community outreach workers can communicate in the preferred language of employers, workers, and people seeking employment, and have resources (in your language) with information on available services, employment opportunities (agricultural and non-agricultural), job training, support services, counseling, rights, and availability of educational and employment tests in your area.
Safety
The MSFW outreach workers check safety and sanitation at worksites and housing to make sure working and living facilities meet state law requirements. If they do not meet standards, the outreach worker will note possible violations and educate your employers about changes that should be made to ensure a healthy and clean workplace. They will also ask for feedback from you about your jobsite. Remember, they are only there to help and anything you say will be kept confidential.
Help When and Where You Need It
The MSFW outreach workers visit agricultural workers in their place of employment and other places that agricultural workers gather with the purpose to be available when and where you need them, they are aware of agricultural and general worker rights, appropriate employment rules, and the most current government regulations. If you are having a problem with your employer (wage, sanitation, hours of work, equipment, discrimination, work environment, etc.) or suffer discrimination and/or abuse by a supervisor, other employer member, or a co-worker (aggressive or inappropriate behavior, sexual harassment, etc.), talk to the outreach worker. If you feel
something is not right for you or a coworker but are not sure, ask the outreach worker. Do not wait, it is safe, at no charge, and confidential. The outreach worker will assist you by providing the appropriate forms, completing the necessary paperwork, and filing the complaint as soon as possible. You do not have to be a migrant farm worker to file a complaint.
Quality of life
MSFW Outreach workers also provide information and support to improve quality of life. Outreach workers have information on numerous programs outside of EDD services that offer assistance to improve life at home. Services include, but are not limited to, ESL classes, low cost energy programs for your house, and food assistance programs.
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Be alert and take advantage of the visits by the outreach workers. When you see an outreach worker greet them and get familiar, get informed, and answer their questions. The outreach workers are here to help. If you are an employer, a migrant or seasonal farmworker, or an agricultural or H-2A worker, and would like more information, contact your nearest America’s Job Center of California. To find your nearest center, visit the www.americasjobcenter.ca.gov or call the America’s Service Locator toll-free at 1-877-872-5627 (TTY 1-877-889-5627).
Resources
The Employment Development Department (EDD) offers employment services to the thousands of migrant and seasonal farmworkers who have helped make California one of the 10-largest economies in the world, and the leader in United States agricultural production. As of 2017, California was home to more than 400,000 agricultural jobs and has seen an upward trend in growth since 2010. Below are resources of State and Local offices that can answer any questions and provide you with more information.
EDD Online Resources
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ELPFUL BROCHURES you can find on the EDD website at www.edd.ca.gov: CalJOBS Brochure (DE 2456) California’s premier virtual job center for employers and job seekers. For more information call (800) 758-0398 Monday through Friday from 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. or visit www.caljobb.ca.gov. Paid Family Leave (PFL) Brochure (DE 2511) A summary of PFL services, eligibility requirements, and how you can apply. Disability Insurance(DI) Provisions Brochure (DE 2515) A comprehensive description of eligibility, benefit specifics, and a list of office locations and contact information SDI Online Tips for Claimants (DE 8515) A quick reference guide to assist you in creating a SDI Online account, and filing your disability insurance or paid family leave claim through SDI Online. Unemployment Insurance (UI): File Claims, Payment Information, General Information (DE 2320M) A reference guide to assist you in filing and managing your UI claim.
Additional Resources
Search for local offices that provide services to aid you with your job search. For information call (877) 872-5627. Job Fairs and Workshops Search for workshops involving career guidance and job search skills. For information call (916) 654-7799. U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service Provides children and needy families better access to food and a more healthful diet through its food assistance programs and comprehensive nutrition efforts. For information call (703) 305-2062. U.S. Department of Education Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers Program The Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers Program makes comprehensive vocational rehabilitation services available to migrant or seasonal farmworkers with disabilities. For information call (877) 872-5627. U.S. Department of Education Office of Migrant Education Provides leadership, technical assistance, and financial support to improve the educational opportunities and academic success of migrant children, youth, agricultural workers, fishers, and their families. For information call (202) 260-1164.
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U.S. Department of Labor Programs for Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) provides a variety of services to farmworkers and agricultural employers. For information call (877) 872-5627. La Cooperativa Campesina de California La Voz del Campo/Voice of the Fields informational newsletter produced for the California agricultural communities. For information call (916) 388-2220. Occupational Outlook for Agricultural Workers Quick facts on statistics and data involving agricultural workers and their occupations. For information call (202) 691-5700. Safety and Health Topics for Agricultural Operations General resources for research-based information for agricultural producers, small business owners, youth, consumers, training and technical assistance on agricultural issues, including safety and health in rural areas and communities of all sizes. For information call (800) 321-6742 Sources: www.edd.ca.gov/jobs_and_training/Migrant_and_Seasonal_Farm_Worker_Outreach_Program.htm edd.ca.gov/pdf_pub_ctr/de8826.pdf www.lacooperativa.org/edd/
FEATURED PROGRAM
‘Comunidad Alerta’ Radio Bilingüe
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ADIO BILINGÜE is the leading Latino public radio network and content producer for the nation’s public broadcasting system. Its mission is to serve as a voice to empower Latinos and other under-served communities. “Comunidad Alerta” is a live interactive current affairs program that airs the 4th Wednesday of the month at 10 AM and 4 PM PT, focused on top community concerns such as immigration rights, navigating health care, obesity and diabetes prevention and management, community organizing efforts, jobs, college readiness, environmental justice, language preservation and cultural pride, community events — and more! Produced by Radio Bilingüe’s experienced KSJV 91.5 FM Fresno producers, “Comunidad Alerta” features themes of national, state and regional interest, offering toll free lines for listeners to interact with guest experts. Radio Bilingüe KSJV producers have won numerous recognitions and awards for innovative and impacting educational radio productions and campaigns, for example recent work to close the digital divide in California. For general information, toll-free anywhere in the U.S.:
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Radio Bilingüe Full-Power FM Public Radio Stations KSJV 91.5 Fresno KMPO 88.7 Modesto-Stockton KTQX 90.1 Bakersfield-Lamont KHDC 90.9 Chualar-Salinas KUBO 88.7 Calexico-El Centro KVUH 88.5 Laytonville-Mendocino
Radio Bilingüe FM Repeater Stations: 94.5 & 97.1 Paso Robles (K233AV & K246BO) 92.9 San Luis ObispoSanta Margarita 104.1 Hollister 99.5 Barstow 100.7 Palmdale-Lancaster 101.1 Coachella-Mecca 93.7 East Bay-Tassajara
EDDResources Resources EDD
JUNE DATES TO REMEMBER JUNE 5 Election Day
Voice of the Fields
www.edd.ca.gov
California Circulation: 45,000 copies
Workforce Services General Questions/ AJCC Locator ...............(916) 654-7799
www.LaCooperativa.org Published monthly by: La Cooperativa Campesina de California 1107 9th Street, Suite 420, Sacramento, CA 95814
CalJOBSSM ....................... 1-800-758-0398 Monitor Advocate, Toll Free hotline to report Employment or Service related complaints ....................1-866-289-8356
This product was funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.
EDD Unemployment Insurance English: ...........................1-800-300-5616 Spanish: .........................1-800-326-8937
JUNE 14 Flag Day JUNE 27 “Comunidad Alerta” Wednesday, 10 AM and 4 PM. (See listings previous page.)
Disability Insurance English............................ 1-800-480-3287 Spanish ...........................1-866-658-8846
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.
Paid Family Leave English............................ 1-877-238-4373 Spanish .......................... 1-877-379-3819
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.
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)
15879559
Farmworker Laborer
Strawberry
$13.18/hr.
5/4/18
11/15/18
320
Santa Maria
Santa Maria AJCC (805) 614-1550
15812556
Farmworker Laborer
Mix Romaine (Romaine, Red Leaf, Green Leaf, Butter) Romaine Hearts and Mix Romaine
$13.18/hr.
3/26/18
11/9/18
360
Monterey
Salinas AJCC (831) 796-3600
15794947
Farmworker Laborer
Various Vegetables
$13.18/hr.
3/15/18
11/18/18
788
Monterrey
Salinas AJCC (831) 796-3600
Various
Herding
Sheep
$1866.88/ Continuous Continuous monthly
135
California and Western States
Call your local AJCC
Various
Beekeeping
Bees
$13.18/hr. Continuous Continuous
75
California and Western States
Call your local AJCC
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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