Jayapal Statement on New Labor Department Steps to Protect H2-A Workers
WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement in reaction to new actions announced by the Department of Labor (DOL) to protect farmworkers in the H2-A program:
“I am so grateful today to the Biden Administration and Department of Labor for taking major steps to significantly strengthen protections for farmworkers across this country.
“Without the hard work and dedication of farmworkers, millions of crops would go unharvested each year. Their labor puts affordable food on tables at a great cost. Too often, they work in extremely dangerous conditions and are particularly vulnerable to labor abuses and violations. This proposal will protect workers who choose to advocate for themselves by expanding anti-retaliation measures and would bring much-needed transparency to this workforce.
“This is an important action to prevent abuses against workers, and I hope to see Congress take further action to strengthen protections for farmworkers by passing legislation including the Farm Workforce Modernization Act and the Fairness for Farm Workers Act.
“I have been proud to advocate for these steps as the Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Expanding protections for farmworkers was a major piece of our 2023 Executive Action Agenda, and I’m grateful to see the administration moving this issue forward.”
Issues: Jobs, Labor, & the Economy