Orange County California Employment Lawyer

Migrant Workers

In the United States migrant labor refers to the work done by people who travel from their country of origin to pick ripe crops in the US and return home when the season is over. Some migrant workers are US residents who simply move from field to field, living off the land and following the crop yields. Migrant laborers often travel from farm to farm following the need for workers and availability of crops. Some are even transported by contractors who have agreed to supply farmers with the needed amount of workers.

Conditions

Since the 1960’s activists have sought to improve conditions for migrant workers. However, reports of child labor, exploitation, and unsanitary conditions are still being made to this day. In 2007 protestors rallied against the fast food restaurant Burger King because of allegations that the chain was under-paying the workers who picked their tomatoes.

Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act

The Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA) provides employment-related protections to migrant and seasonal agricultural workers. It is administered and enforced by the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment Standards Administration. The act is a way to enforce labor laws and wage regulations on farm labor contractors, agricultural employers, and agricultural associations who hire migrant workers.

If you have been the victim of wage discrimination or harassment in the workplace because of your status as a migrant worker, contact Orange County employment lawyer Perry Smith at 888.356.2529 for a free consultation. We will discuss your rights and further legal options.