Julie Su Acting United States Secretary of Labor | Official Website
The U.S. Department of Labor has recovered $31,102 in wages for 23 agricultural workers following violations of the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program by Humberto Castaneda Produce in Sonoma County.
An investigation by the Department's Wage and Hour Division found that Humberto Castaneda Produce paid higher rates to visa-holding workers under the H-2A program than to local workers, failed to provide tools, meals, or cooking facilities, housed workers in substandard trailers that did not meet code requirements, and did not reimburse transportation costs into and out of the country. Additionally, the employer did not ensure safe transportation, used uncertified drivers without licenses, and paid workers below the promised contract rate.
The recovery includes $31,102 in wages for 23 workers and $18,154 in fines.
"Humberto Castaneda Produce knew the requirements of the H-2A program but chose to violate the rights of both local and guest workers by failing to provide full wages or safe housing and transportation," said Francisco Ocampo, district director of the Wage and Hour Division in San José, California. "Thanks to our investigation, these workers will receive the wages and benefits they are entitled to."
Humberto Castaneda Produce is an agricultural employer specializing in various vegetables such as serrano peppers, jalapeños, tomatoes, squash, and wine grapes. Established in 1988 with fields in Sonoma County, it supplies products to major clients like Safeway supermarkets as well as local small businesses.
Workers can use a wage search tool provided by the division to check if they are owed back wages. Employers and workers can contact the Wage and Hour Division for assistance at 1-866-4-US-WAGE. Both parties can ensure accurate hours worked and payment by downloading a free app available for Android and iOS devices in Spanish and English.
This press release is also available in English.
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