Labor Laws Protect Thousands of Migrant Seasonal Farmworkers the State Relies On, Especially in Tight Labor Market Food on the table has its start on the farm and each year approximately 5,000 seasonal agricultural migrant workers come to Wisconsin to plant, harvest, and package a broad range of fruits and vegetables produced in the state.
International Migrants Day is celebrated each year on Dec. 18. The day highlights the importance of protecting the rights of all migrant workers and members of their families, a concept Wisconsin furthers through state and federal regulations administered by the state Department of Workforce Development (DWD).
“Wisconsin sets a high bar for labor standards to ensure safety, fair pay and dignity of all workers. That’s why Wisconsin has specific protections for migrants employed in seasonal agricultural work,” DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek said. “The pride in our farm products recognizes the contributions of those working in the fields and at processing facilities.”
Wisconsin stands out as one of the few states with laws focusing on migrant workers. And this year, Wisconsin and the federal government are partnering to advance equitable access to programs such as unemployment insurance when unable to work. In June, DWD, received a $3 million Navigator Grant from the federal government. United Migrant Opportunity Services (UMOS) is partnering with DWD to provide assistance to those who may have limited English proficiency or challenges...
Welcome to Reality Check, NewsGuard’s nonpartisan newsletter that tracks the false claims and conspiracy theories that shape our world — and who’s behind them. Please support us by becoming a premi...