Sonoma County farm ordered to pay $49,256 for violating H-2A visa program requirements
Humberto Castaneda Produce, a wine grape and vegetable grower in Santa Rosa, California, has been ordered to pay $31,102 in back wages and $18,154 in civil penalties for violating requirements of the federal H-2A visa program. The program allows U.S. employers to hire temporary workers from abroad for agricultural jobs, but requires certain conditions to be met, such as providing safe housing and working conditions.
Inspectors found that the company paid workers below the promised rate, failed to provide tools, meals, and kitchen facilities, and housed workers in dilapidated trailers and a garage. With the increasing housing crisis in California, farmworkers are among the most vulnerable tenants, relying on their employers to maintain their legal status in the U.S.
According to federal labor officials, Humberto Castaneda Produce also did not reimburse transportation costs or secure safe transportation for its workers, which are program requirements. The company grows serrano and jalapeno peppers, tomatoes, squash, and wine grapes, supplying large stores like Safeway supermarkets and local grocers.
California has seen a significant increase in the number of H-2A workers in recent years, with state regulators struggling to ensure safe housing conditions for them. Despite thousands of violations, penalties and citations are rarely issued to farms. Workers who believe they are owed back wages can use the Department of Labor’s search tool to check if funds have been collected.
Overall, the case highlights the challenges faced by farmworkers in California and the importance of proper compliance with H-2A program requirements to ensure the well-being of these vulnerable workers.
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Photo credit calmatters.org
