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Amidst Two Active Grant Competitions,

AFOP Members Submit Proposals and Wait

Inside DOL

DOL Releases 2024 Funding Allotment Information for NFJP

AFOP

June 12, 2024

DOL’s Employment & Training Administration (ETA) published the funding allotments for NFJP in the Federal Register Notice (FRN) on Tuesday, June 11.  As expected, the PY 2024 amounts are almost identical to PY2023, since Congress appropriated the same amount for the program and ETA pro-rated allotments for 2024 based on the PY 2023 allotment percentage.  However, ETA set aside $16,000 less for “program integrity,” allotting each state .02% more funding than in 2023.  A table with funding amounts for each state can be found in Section V.


ETA says it plans to update its formula in PY 2026, including a re-implementation of the staged stop loss / stop gain process.  The PY 2024 allotments did not necessitate a stop loss / stop gain, as the difference between PY 2024 and PY2023 was very slight.   ETA will publish its approach and calculations for PY 2026 in a subsequent notice.  


The notice also includes a “Minimum Funding Provision” which says that any state with an allotment less than $60,000 “will, at the option of the DOL, receive no allotment or, if practical, be combined with another adjacent state service area.”


The information contained in the FRN will become effective by July 1, 2024.  The public can comment on the notice through June 25.

OSHA Heat Stress Rule Advances to the Next Stage

USDOL

May 8, 2024

DOL has taken an important step in addressing the dangers of workplace heat and moved closer to publishing a proposed rule to reducing the significant health risks of heat exposure for U.S. workers in outdoor and indoor settings.


On April 24, DOL’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration presented the draft rule's initial regulatory framework at a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health. The committee, which advises the agency on safety and health standards and policy matters, unanimously recommended OSHA move forward expeditiously on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.  As part of the rulemaking process, the agency will seek and consider input from a wide range of stakeholders and the public at-large as it works to propose and finalize its rule.

DOL Expands Overtime Protections

USDOL

June 3, 2024

The Biden-Harris administration has expanded overtime protections for millions of the nation’s lower-paid salaried workers by increasing the salary thresholds required to exempt an employee from federal overtime pay requirements.


Effective July 1, the salary threshold will increase to the equivalent of an annual salary of $43,888 and increase to $58,656 on January 1, 2025. The July 1 increase updates the present annual salary threshold of $35,568 based on the methodology used by the prior administration in the 2019 overtime rule update. On January 1, 2025, the rule’s new methodology takes effect, resulting in the additional increase.


Starting July 1, 2027, salary thresholds will update every three years by applying up-to-date wage data to determine new salary levels.


WHD is offering a series of online seminars to provide a general overview of requirement.  The next one will be held on Thursday, June 13.

Inside AFOP

MET, Inc., Hosts Successful Joint DARI-ERAFA-SRC Conference

AFOP

June 2, 2024

AFOP member MET, Inc., hosted a successful joint DARI-ERAFA-SRC Conference in San Antonio, May 14-16.  The agenda included a moving presentation from award-winning slam poet and author, S.C. Says, as well as a powerful poverty simulation facilitated by the local community action agency.


The conference drew a record 125 attendees from 28 states.  Guests appreciated the informational content, engaging presentations, and 80’s-themed evening reception full of fun games, a robust 50-50 raffle, and karaoke.   Congratulations to MET, Inc., staff on a job well done!

Carolyn Benitez Retires from Kansas SER;

Mr. Joel Leiva Chosen as Executive Program Officer

AFOP

June 6, 2024

Ms. Carolyn Benitez retired at the end of May 2024 from SER Corporation as co-CEO and Executive Officer for the National Farmworker Jobs Program.  We thank Carolyn for her many years of dedicated service to the farmworker community in Kansas as well as to SER Corp, AFOP, and NFJP.  


Kansas SER Corporation has chosen Mr. Joel Leiva as its new Executive Program Officer.  Richard Lopez continues as President and CEO.

CET Chief Executive Officer Hermelinda Sapien greets Roberto Dansie after his inspiring talk at the 2023 WAFA regional training conference

Farmworker Friend Roberto Dansie

AFOP

June 6, 2024

It was with deep sorrow that AFOP learned of the passing in April of Roberto Dansie, cultural counselor, healer, and farmworker friend.   Those who heard him speak could not help but be moved by his awesome presence.  He shared valuable cultural wisdom with warmth, joy, and optimism.  He truly was a force for good in this world.  AFOP misses him dearly.  

Farmworker Health & Safety

Help us Bring an Art & Essay Contest Winner to the National Conference!

Farmworkers in the News

DACA Recipients Soon Eligible for ACA Coverage

AFOP

May 8, 2024

President Biden on May 3 signed into law an Executive Order that allows Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients to receive healthcare under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  DACA recipients, commonly known as Dreamers, can enroll in ACA health insurance plans starting November 1, obtaining crucial access to healthcare services and financial assistance.  According to a statement from the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), this will lead to approximately 100,000 people getting insured, a major step for health equity and immigrant justice.

McNeill Labor Management employees planting cane in the muck soil in Belle Glade. Photo: McNeill Labor Management

Farmworker Dies First Day on the Job; USDOL Cites Employer for “Serious Violation”

AFOP

June 6, 2024

A young H-2A worker from Mexico suffered heat stress in South Florida and died just hours after being on the job, the latest farmworker to succumb to a heat-related illness.  The DOL’s OSHA cited the labor contractor, McNeill Labor Management of Belle Glade, with a “serious violation for exposing workers to hazards associated with high ambient heat while working in direct sunlight.”  DOL’s press release also states that the employer did not report the worker’s hospitalization or death, though both are required by law.  The company is contesting the findings.

Workforce Development

The Aspen Institute to Shine a Light on Farmworkers and the Nation’s Food Supply Chain

Aspen Institute

June 6, 2024

As we enter the summer months and holidays, many of us will be spending time with friends and loved ones at barbecues and eating out at restaurants.  Food is something that brings us together in times of celebration, and even sorrow.  In the US, however, many are disconnected from where food originates and the work that makes our meals possible.  


Through our three-part series, “The Hands that Feed Us: Exploring Job Quality Challenges in the US Food Supply Chain,” we highlight the realities faced by some of our most essential workers – those who sustain our food system – including low pay, hazardous environments, and limited rights faced predominantly by immigrants, people of color, and women in the food supply chain.  We also promote ideas to improve this situation.  

Additional Funding Opportunities

$35M Available for 2nd Round of Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grants

USDOL

May 15, 2024

The Department of Labor announced the availability of approximately $35 million in funding through the second round of Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs grants to prepare workers for the good-paying infrastructure jobs being created by the Biden-Harris administration’s “Investing in America” agenda.  This grant opportunity closes July 7, 2024.

What We’re Reading

LULAC Condemns Governor DeSantis' Reckless Actions Endangering Latino Essential Workers

LULAC

April 16, 2024

The League of United Latin American Citizens vehemently condemns Governor Ron DeSantis' recent actions, which pose a grave threat to the health and safety of Latino essential workers in the state.  The April 11 signing of a bill banning local governments from mandating heat and water breaks for outdoor workers directly endangers the lives of thousands of workers, particularly in industries such as construction and farming.


This bill was enacted as a direct response to Miami-Dade County's initiative to enforce shade and water breaks for construction, farm, and other outdoor workers. With Miami-Dade estimating a workforce of over 325,000 individuals in these sectors alone, it is evident that such protections are crucial for safeguarding the well-being of workers in Florida.

Buildings that are part of the Rio Vista Bracero Reception Center in Socorro, Texas. (Photo: City of Socorro)

‘Inhumane’ Mexican Worker Program Commemorated in U.S.

Washington Post

By Rachel Hatzipanagos

May 13, 2024

Last year, Rio Vista, a collection of 21 buildings where braceros were processed in South Texas, was designated a national historic landmark.  And last week, the city of Socorro and the National Park Service dedicated plaques honoring the center.


“This property possesses national significance in commemorating the history of the United States of America,” the plaque reads. It is the first national landmark to have plaques posted in English and Spanish.


Mexican workers chosen for the Bracero program were sent across the country but mostly worked along the U.S.-Mexico border, according to the National Park Service. The term “braceros” came from the Spanish word for arms, “brazos.”


While the agreement between the United States and Mexico establishing the program included rules for how the braceros would be treated, they weren’t always enforced, said Mireya Loza, an associate professor of history at Georgetown University. Employers were supposed to provide free housing and medical treatment but often didn’t comply, Loza said.