Farmworkers' Rights

Do you know your rights as a farmworker?

Hired farmworkers are a vital part of agricultural work in the United States, making up a third of the total agricultural work force, according to a 2008 USDA Economic Research Report.

Although laws have been enacted to protect the rights of farmworkers, not all employers comply with these laws. At Girard Gibbs LLP, our employment lawyers represent farmworkers to get them the compensation and benefits they are owed under the law.

Migrant & Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA)

One of the specific laws enacted to protect migrant and seasonal agricultural workers is the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA). The MSPA sets requirements for farm labor contractors, agricultural employers, and agricultural associations.

Under the MSPA, employers must:

post information about worker protections at the place of work;

provide information about the terms of conditions of employment, either at the time of recruitment or when the offer of employment is made. These terms and conditions must be given in a language the workers understand, and provided in writing if the employee requests;

pay the workers the wages owed when they are due. Employers must also provide the workers with an itemized statement at this time;

Meet federal and state safety standards for any housing or transportation they provide to workers; and

Maintain payroll records for each workers for at least 3 years.

Questions about farmworkers' rights?

Free and confidential evaluations are available with our employment lawyers by calling (866) 981-4800 or by filling out the form to the right.

Eric Gibbs

Dylan Hughes

Matthew George

Why Girard Gibbs LLP?

Girard Gibbs is a national litigation firm representing consumers, investors, employees, and small businesses in cases involving consumer protection, personal injury, securities, antitrust, and employment laws. The firm’s senior partners, Daniel Girard and Eric Gibbs, have been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2012 and Northern California Super Lawyers, and have earned AV-Preeminent ratings from Martindale-Hubbell, recognizing them in the highest class of attorneys for professional ethics and legal skills.