WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), and Raúl Grijalva (AZ-07) are leading 43 of their colleagues in calling on the Department of Labor (DOL) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to improve the H-2A program used by farm workers. Both agencies have announced proposed rules that would serve to protect these essential workers. The members are urging swift finalization of those rules to ensure accountability and transparency in the H-2A program and broader agricultural industry.

“Farm workers are essential workers who play a critical role in the functioning of the United States economy and too often suffer wage theft, sexual assault, trafficking, and other forms of abuse and exploitation,” wrote the Members. “The proposed rules represent an enormous opportunity for DOL and DHS to increase the wages and working conditions of H-2A and U.S. farm workers and improve the enforcement capabilities of agencies against abusive employers who circumvent U.S. law and undermine the Congressional intent behind the H-2A program.”

The proposed rules would specifically:

• Improve farm workers’ ability to advocate for themselves in the workplace without the fear of retaliation;
• Address widespread human and labor trafficking in the system;
• Improve transportation safety by requiring seat belts in employer-provided transportation;
• Protect against exploitative practices commonly used by employers, especially as related to worker pay, back wages...

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