H-2A Rule Change Proposals Pt 1
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson. Proposed changes to the H-2A Visa program, from the Departments of Labor and Homeland Security, could make life much more challenging for growers across the country.
Kate Tynan, Senior Vice President at the Northwest Horticultural Council, says workers deserve protection, but these proposals would really cost growers …
TYNAN … “I’ve been working on these issues for going on 20 years now, and the bias within these proposed rules is the worst I’ve ever seen against growers. It just really makes the assumption that all growers are bad actors, which clearly is not the case.”
But Tynan says that doesn’t mean everyone is perfect …
TYNAN … “Just look at the small number of significant
H-2A violations that you see. I mean, we absolutely believe that violators of the program should be penalized. That being said, taking significant steps such as denying access to the program or debarring an employer from the program for a significant period of time, you know, those really don’t match up with the supposed violations or the problems the growers have supposedly taken.”
So, Tynan says let’s fix that …
TYNAN … “I think what we would really like to see is make the punishment fit the crime. And really reserving those significant penalties of barring access to the program to those serious violators who really deserve it.”
Tune in tomorrow for more on the new H-2A rule proposals and what should be done.
