FA R M L A B O R I N F O R M AT I O N B U L L E T I N
Voice of the Fields California
February 2017
FREE
Volume 27, Number 2
The Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Outreach Program
T
he Employment Development Department (EDD) created the Migrant and Seasonal Farm Worker Outreach Program (MSFW) to improve the working conditions of all farmworkers in California and to ensure these workers are aware of the services offered by the government. Through the MSFW Outreach Program, a full range of employment services are offered to farmworkers who otherwise would not have access to services through the intake process provided by the America’s Job Center of California network. In order to provide assistance to all workers that contribute to the state’s powerful economy, the MSFW Outreach Program is specifically designed for agricultural employers and workers classified as migrant, seasonal, migrant food-processing workers as defined by federal law. Agricultural employers are contacted and offered assistance and information that includes: labor needs, labor law, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, paid family leave and to ensure that seasonal farm workers are aware of other employment opportunities.
MSFW Outreach Workers at Your Service EDD employees regularly conduct community outreach efforts to provide
farmworkers information about services offered by the department and local community centers. EDD employee’s role in the MSFW program is to assist farmworkers and provide resources, and not to regulate or find fault with the farmworkers. Oftentimes EDD workers come from MSFW backgrounds, and have first-hand experience working in or around agriculture. These reliable and verified employees must receive permission before visiting worksites and living areas. Each worker corresponds with a particular California region, where they visit multiple agricultural worksites, schools, community events, community centers, and various other places where farm workers who may benefit from EDD services are located. Language Outreach workers are trained to communicate in the language most comfortable for the employers, workers, and job seekers to educate them on EDD services and programs. Outreach workers have helpful resources to take
advantage of including information on the services available from local America’s Job Centers, such as: employment opportunities (agricultural and nonagricultural), job training, supportive services, as well as counseling and the availability of education and job testing in your area. They will also have a summary of your rights as a farmworker and information on other organizations in your area that serve MSFWs. Year-round Options. To those who seek it, you can also expect outreach workers to point you toward year-round employment or higher wage jobs by visiting their local America’s Job Centers. They will be equipped with information to find transportation for you to visit an America’s Job Center and assistance with the applications or paperwork. Safety While on worksites, the outreach workers will check safety and sanitation to make sure working and living facilities meet state law requirements. If they do not meet standards, the outreach worker will note possible violations and educate your employers about changes that should be made to ensure a healthy and clean Continued on page 3