AgJobs Bill Introduced

I'm pleased to announce that Sen. Feinstein reintroduced the AgJobs bill (S. 1038) earlier today, and Reps. Berman and Putnamare expected to reintroduce the bill in the House shortly.

This bill marks important progress towards comprehensive immigration reform, while assuring equitable, fair, and just treatment for farmworkers. The bill has strong bipartisan support, and is endorsed by major labor communities, agribusiness owners, Latino leaders, civil rights organizations, and farmworkers themselves.

Farmworker Justice sent the following message around today celebrating AgJobs reintroduction:

"We’re very excited to announce that AgJOBS was reintroduced in the 111th Congress today. Sen. Feinstein (D-Cali) gave a floor speech this morning to introduce AgJOBS in the Senate (S. 1038) and Reps. Berman (D-Cali) and Putnam (R-Fl) are introducing AgJOBS in the House of Representatives. We appreciate their leadership and commitment to moving AgJOBS forward.

As many of you know, AgJOBS is a bipartisan bill that enjoys broad support in Congress. The AgJOBS compromise was carefully negotiated by the United Farm Workers and major agribusiness employers after years of intense conflict. AgJOBS is endorsed by major labor and management representatives, as well as a broad spectrum of organizations, including Latino community leaders, civil rights organizations, religious groups and farmworkers themselves.

The version of AgJOBS introduced today is substantially the same as previous versions. We will be posting an updated summary of AgJOBS on our webpage shortly.

The reintroduction of AgJOBS represents continued progress towards comprehensive immigration reform while ensuring that Congress meets the unique needs of agriculture. The status quo for farmworkers and agricultural employers is untenable and must be reformed. Over 50% of farmworkers are undocumented workers. Their wages are low and they live in the shadows of our society. We depend on these workers for the food on our tables and we need a stable labor supply. AgJOBS would provide a legal, stable labor supply and help ensure that farmworkers are treated fairly."