At its Dec. 11 meeting, the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board approved regulations implementing “card check” legislation approved by the California Legislature in 2022. The regulations will now be reviewed by the Office of Administrative Law (OAL), for final approval; OAL has 30 working days to complete its review and approval, which is normally routine. […]
FELS Newsletter: December 2024
Research Indicates Increasing Costs of Farming in California is Driving Production to Mexico
Alexandra E. Hill of UC Berkely and James Sayre of UC Davis have found that the changing demographics of U.S. and Mexican farmworkers are linked with worker shortages. The H-2A visa program offers a solution but with steep costs. With revenues lagging behind rising labor costs, some farms have incentives to move production into Mexico. […]
CA Dept. of Public Health Distribution of Free H5N1 PPE Extended
The California Department of Public Health will make direct shipments of personal protective equipment (safety goggles, face shields, respirators, gloves and bouffant caps (with limited availability) to farms affected by H5N1 through Jan. 15, 2025. You can read more at CDPH’s website.
ALRB Backs Off Office Space Sublet from CAUSE
After concerns were raised by several agricultural employer organizations, the Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB) reversed its decision to sublet from Central Coast Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) office space in Santa Maria. The appearance of partiality on the part of an adjudicatory body like the ALRB was particularly concerning. The Board made its […]
What Do You Do With the Final Paycheck When an Employee “Ghosts” You?
FELS sometimes receives from Newsletter subscribers inquiries about handling issues arising from employees who abandon employment and refuse to maintain communication with their former employer. These situations raise concerns for employers trying to fulfill their legal obligations for paying final wages to quitting employees. The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement’s Frequently Asked Questions Related to […]
Avian Influenza News
Nov. 15: H5N1 Resources from the Western Center for Agricultural Health & Safety Nov. 15: Guidance from USDA Animal and Plant Health Service (APHIS) on proper handling of dead wild birds: You can read more avian influenza news at https://www.fels.net/avian-influenza-news/.
FELS is On The Road!
Feb. 5-7, 44th Annual Agricultural Personnel Management Association Forum, Monterey, Portola Hotel. More information here. FELS Chief Operating Officer Bryan Little will co-present Preventing Workplace Violence: Strategies for a Safer Work Environment under New Regs with Chana Hauben of UnitedAg at 9:45 AM on Feb. 6. Be sure to visit FELS at our booth! For […]
ICYMI: In Case You Missed It
Webinar recordings and presentations are available at on the FELS Webinars page at ICYMI: In Case You Missed It. Nov. 15: Protecting Agricultural Employees from H5N1: Steven Fenaroli, California Farm Bureau; William J. Krycia, former Cal/OSHA Ag Enforcement Coordinator (retired); Bryan Little, FELS COO; and Eugene Glendenning, Program Manager, Cal/OSHA Consultation, furnished viewers with insights […]
FELS Tailgate Safety Training Sheet
The “4 L’s” of Driving Safely in Fog
