March 17, 2008

ISSUE 1210

COMMENTS ON H-2A CHANGES DUE MARCH 31

March 31 is the deadline to file comments to the Department of Homeland Security’s proposed changes to the H-2A guest-worker program. The new regulations would modify the way workers are paid and housed, expand the types of industries allowed to use the H-2A program, and ease requirements employers must now meet to show they have tried to hire U.S. citizens first.

The administration proposes streamlining some procedures, including replacing the current certification process with employer attestation, lengthening the time workers can stay in the United States after their employment has ended, and shortening the time they must wait before gaining H-2A status again.

“The proposed changes are significant,” said Walter Kates, director of FFVA’s Labor Relations Division. “Some are improvements – especially substituting employer attestation for the current certification process. Other changes are cause for concern.”

The rule was published Feb. 13 in the Federal Register. FFVA is preparing its comments and encourages its members and others to submit comments as well. To review the proposal online, go to the Federal Register main page at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html and type 8230 in the “Quick Search” field.

For more information on the proposed rule, FFVA members can access the most recent Labor Relations Bulletin at http://www.ffva.com or contact Kates at 321-214-5200.


ALSO IN THIS WEEK'S RAP-UP

(Members-Only articles are indicated in bold.)

CONGRESS EXTENDS CURRENT FARM BILL UNTIL APRIL 18

COMMENTS ON H-2A CHANGES DUE MARCH 31

USDA RAISES CITRUS FORECAST

VOLUNTEERS INVITED TO READ FOR AG LITERACY DAY

WATER WORKSHOP SERIES TO WRAP UP

CITRUS SUMMIT ZEROES IN ON GREENING

FFVA HOLIDAY SCHEDULE