NEW BENEFITS FOR GUEST WORKERS

The United Farm Workers of America and Global Horizons, a major labor recruiter, reached an unparalleled agreement that gives guest workers brought into the U.S. higher wages, benefits and improved working conditions. Under the agreement, workers will receive a 2% pay raise over the federally mandated Adverse Effect Wage Rate – the rates are set by individual states – along with medical care and work breaks. Workers will also receive paid bereavement leave when a family member dies and a paid round-trip transportation to their native country. The agreement comes after Global Horizons was criticized by the UFW and Washington state officials over working conditions and wages for guest workers.