The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered $31,102 in back wages for 23 farmworkers following an investigation into Humberto Castaneda Produce, a grower based in Sonoma County, California. The investigation by the Department's Wage and Hour Division revealed multiple violations of the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program requirements.
According to the findings, Humberto Castaneda Produce paid higher rates to workers with H-2A visas compared to local workers. The employer also failed to provide necessary tools, meals, or kitchen facilities and housed workers in substandard trailers that did not meet code requirements. Additionally, the company did not reimburse transportation costs and used uncertified drivers without licenses for transporting workers. Furthermore, employees were paid below the rate promised in their contracts.
In addition to recovering wages, the Department of Labor imposed $18,154 in civil money penalties on Humberto Castaneda Produce.
"Humberto Castaneda Produce knew the requirements of the H-2A program but chose to violate the rights of guest and local workers by failing to provide full wages and safe housing and transportation," said Francisco Ocampo, Wage and Hour Division District Director in San Jose, California. "Thanks to our investigation, these workers will receive the wages and benefits to which they are entitled."
Humberto Castaneda Produce specializes in growing various vegetables such as serrano and jalapeno peppers, tomatoes, squash, and wine grapes. Established in 1988, the company supplies produce to large clients like Safeway supermarkets as well as small local grocers.
Workers can use the division’s Workers Owed Wages search tool to check if they are owed back wages collected by the division. Employers and workers can contact the Wage and Hour Division for assistance at its toll-free number, 1-866-4-US-WAGE. To ensure accurate hours worked and pay records, both parties can download the department’s Android and iOS Timesheet App available for free in English or Spanish.
This news release is also available in Spanish.
