Although looks can be deceiving, spring truly is just around the corner, and farmers who depend on a migrant work force are preparing for their arrival, some as early as next month.
Rules, changes, migrant worker programs and immigration issues were some of the topics covered during the Michigan State University's Grower's Conference 2014 at Van Buren Conference Center last week.
Michigan employed 49,135 seasonal farm workers in 20013 and 25,000 of those employees worked in southwestern Michigan counties.
According to Blair Babcock, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, food, energy and transportation segments of U.S. industry are designated as critical infrastructure and more likely to receive a worker eligibility audit. In 2013, there were 3,000 audits nationwide. In 2014, audit numbers will drop to 1,000 and the emphasis will turn to criminal prosecutions.
Babcock outlined a new certification program for growers that may present a positive, progressive image to customers, particularly large chain buyers, called IMAGE, an acronym for Immigration and Customs Enforcement Mutual Agreement between Government and Employers.
"The program is designed to avoid disruptions, lawsuits and present a positive image. Employers are challenged with counterfeit documents, identity theft schemes, complicated laws and regulations and multiple regulatory responsibilities," he said.
Employers who participate will undergo an I-9 inspection, clearing out ineligible workers from the payroll and will not have a payroll inspection again for the next two years. Participation in the program signifies cooperation with immigration officials and policies, and although the possibility of an audit still exists, the number of audits will be diminished, resulting in a statistical reduction in the chance for an on-farm audit.
Important Employee Authorization Documentation rule changes this year include non-acceptance of a post office box as an address and receipts for documentation will no longer be accepted unless the documents were lost, stolen or damaged. Social Security offices will no longer be issuing printed receipts for card application due to counterfeiting issues. Photo copied documents are unacceptable and an individual is not allowed to sign documents on another's behalf.
Fraudulent data is not the employer's responsibility as long as the employer records reflect the same information as the worker's documentation. Any conflict of rules between departments should be brought to Babcock's attention for resolution.
Providing a family friendly environment can help attract a stable, conscientious labor pool. Robin Mack, vice president of operations for InterCare, a medical service provider for labor camps in southwestern Michigan, outlined programs including mobile dental and health care vans. Services are available at camps as well as outreach clinics. Mack said that more time slots will be designated in the early morning and evening for farm workers and suggested the Eau Claire location as a more timely option for emergency and walk-in patients over the Benton Harbor location.
Well child exams, immunizations, head start programs and the mobile medical units are all part of InterCare's optimal best practices for taking care of kids in order to keep parents working.
Amador Diaz Jr., assistant district director for the U.S. Department of Labor, updated growers on department wage rules.
"Whether paying by the hour or piece work, the worker cannot receive less than the minimum wage of $7.40 in Michigan," he said.
Payments must be made at least semi-monthly.
All work conditions must be clearly specified, including job duties that cannot change, work rules, pay provisions, length of employment, working conditions, transportation and housing.
Michigan Farm Bureau Ag Labor and Safety Services manager Craig Anderson described some of the needs and desires of the new age farm worker, ideas that will encourage workers to return year after year.
"Employees want a separation of family from single housing," he said. "Single workers also want to be involved in the room mate selection process. Wireless and cable access are very important, even if there is a monthly or weekly charge for the service. Unit air conditioning has proven to pay for itself in more rested, productive workers."
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