DOL Shakes up the Salad Bowl
The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) of the Department of Labor has initiated a two-week enforcement sweep of the onion harvest in Columbus, Deming, and Hatch, NM, as part of its national "Salad Bowl" initiative.
"We will be investigating growers and farm labor contractors for compliance with minimum wage, child labor, and associated record keeping requirements, as well as the full range of other federal labor laws that protect migrant and seasonal agricultural workers in this area," said Albuquerque Wage and Hour District Director Martin Barrow.
The WHD identified certain crops—lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and garlic ("salad bowl" commodities)—as part of its national agriculture initiative to improve compliance. Labor law violations have been common in these labor-intensive, hand-harvested crops, which are grown over most of the country.
A multi-pronged strategy of enforcement, education, and partnerships is being used to increase compliance with the requirements of the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The MSPA requires wage disclosure, housing, transportation, and other farm worker protections. The FLSA requires the payment of the minimum wage of $5.15 an hour. It also limits the hours that may be worked by children as well as the type of work they may perform. In addition, it contains minimum age requirements for farm work.
Several growers in southwestern New Mexico signed compliance agreements with the WHD in an effort to promote compliance in the fields. Under these agreements, growers monitor their farm labor contractors to safeguard against violations, including child labor.
Last year, investigators found 18 under-age children harvesting onions. The main reason given was lack of childcare services. Home Education Livelihood Program Inc. Migrant Head Start Program provides quality experienced daycare for eligible migrant workers during the harvest seasons. For specific information on childcare, farm workers can call Luis Reyes at 800-564-2410.