Provisions for agricultural guest workers have been included in US immigration reforms, according to Western Growers president, Tom Nassif.
In a press release issued late last week, the US Agriculture Workforce Coalition confirmed it had settled on a framework agreement with the United Farm Workers and US senators, which is now being converted to legislation.
Nassif said the agreement includes standard wages for several categories of employees, including field workers, graders and sorters, as well a cap on guest worker visas.
“We have total agreement on the document which is going to be going to the ‘Gang of Eight’ (senators) for their consideration and we’re waiting to see the legislative language so we are all comfortable that it reflects what we believe we have agreed to,” Nassif told The Packer.
“Assuming we get this passed into law, I can say unequivocally that we have made history today.”
