After an announcement from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) the Housing for the Harvest Program has been expanded. Santa Barbara County will now be joining Fresno and …
Industry Members Encouraged to Engage on SB 1383
Senate Bill 1383 is currently being considered in the California Assembly. The bill seeks to expand the reach of the California Family Rights Act (CFRA). Employers with as few as …
How to Avoid COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Penalties
It is important for employers to fully understand what is required under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA) provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). A farming …
Permanent Wildfire Smoke Standard Moving Forward Despite Industry Concerns
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) is continuing to advance a permanent wildfire smoke standard. A temporary rule has been in effect since July of last year …
Reminder: New Nighttime Lighting Requirements Take Effect July 1
The updated parameters for nighttime lighting requirements established by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) are set to take effect on July 1. The ‘Outdoor Agricultural Operations …
Newsom Moves Forward with Workers’ Compensation Order
Governor Gavin Newsom has moved forward with making significant changes to the workers’ compensation system in California. On May 6 Governor Newsom signed an Executive Order to expand the scope …
Newsom Considers Passing Pandemic Cost onto Employers Through Workers’ Compensation
Governor Gavin Newsom is considering an executive order that could significantly increase the cost of workers’ compensation insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The order would substantially expand the criteria of …
Increased H-2A Flexibility to Ensure Food Production Continues
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made an announcement to allow more H-2A flexibility, with the support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The temporary final rule will …
State Department Addresses H-2A Issue with Interview Waivers
The U.S. State Department has addressed the H-2A issue that was created when the U.S. suspended routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa processing services in Mexico in response to the COVID-19 …
Understanding the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) was recently signed by President Donald Trump as a means for supporting employees impacted by COVID-19. The Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour …
Questions Remain as AB-5 Implementation Takes Shape
The agriculture community has many questions regarding AB-5 implementation and how that is going to affect common farming practices. The nature of the farming business makes the application of the …
New Joint Employer Liability Guidelines Effective in March
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has recently issued an update to the definition of what constitutes joint employer liability. While the new ‘four-factor balancing test’ updates the regulation officially, …
Ag Groups Urge Action After Adverse Effect Wage Rate Increase
A group of agricultural organizations known collectively as the Agriculture Workforce Coalition (AWC) is calling on Congress to address concerns related to the Adverse Effect Wage Rate. The coalition which …
Ag Labor Bill Continues Forward Momentum in Congress
The ag labor bill known as the Farm Workforce Modernization Act was passed by the House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 18-12 last week. The next step in the …