The role of farmworkers and laborers in the crop, nursery and greenhouse sectors is multifaceted and demanding, involving a range of responsibilities crucial to the agricultural process. Employees in these positions are tasked with critical functions such as cabbage harvesting and weeding. In cabbage harvesting, workers align themselves in designated rows, bending over to cut each cabbage, which they then inspect, trim and place in bags for transport.
These bags are placed on a moving stainless steel table that follows the workers as they progress through their rows. In weeding, workers use hoes and hand tools to remove unwanted plants from walkways and around crops, ensuring that the growing areas are clear of debris and weeds. These tasks require physical endurance and the ability to work outside in varying weather conditions, with workers expected to maintain pace with mechanized equipment and adhere to specific instructions for effective crop management.
The employment conditions for farmworkers in these roles come with certain benefits and responsibilities. Workers may have the opportunity to volunteer for additional hours when available, although there is no guarantee that these hours will exceed 20% of the initially offered amount. The employer provides necessary tools at no cost, but workers are responsible for reasonable charges if tools are damaged or not returned.
Workers should also be prepared for occasional periods of little or no work due to factors beyond the employer’s control, such as weather or crop conditions. The contract for employment, including any modifications, will be provided to the H-2A workers at the time of their visa application or when an employment offer is made. This ensures that workers are fully informed of their rights and obligations under the employment terms, maintaining transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Benefits
Employees have the option to volunteer for additional work hours if such hours are available. It is important to note that while there is a potential for work hours to exceed 20% of the initially offered hours, this is not guaranteed.
Responsibilities
Workers are expected to execute assigned duties according to the instructions provided by their supervisor. The specific tasks include:
- Cabbage Harvesting:
- Cabbage cutters will line up in the designated cabbage rows.
- Workers are required to bend over each cabbage to make the necessary cuts.
- After cutting, the cabbage needs to be inspected and trimmed.
- The cut cabbage should then be placed in a bag and placed on a stainless steel table that will be moved along by a machine as the workers continue through their rows.
- Workers must be able to maintain pace with the machine.
- Weeding:
- Workers will use a hoe to remove weeds from the walkways.
- Weeds growing around plants will be removed by hand.
- In the growing areas, workers will rake and pile up debris, which must be disposed of according to instructions.
To perform these tasks, workers need to be capable of working outside for a minimum of six hours per day, regardless of weather conditions. They must also possess the physical strength and endurance to repeat the picking process quickly. The employer will supply the necessary tools for these tasks at no cost to the workers. However, workers will be charged for reasonable costs if they refuse to return the tools or if the tools are willfully damaged or destroyed.
Workers should anticipate occasional periods of reduced or no work due to weather, crop conditions or other factors beyond the employer’s control. Such periods may occur at any time throughout the season.
Job Description
- Full Time: Yes
- Number of Workers Requested: 25
Job Duties:
- Workers will carry out assigned tasks as per their supervisor’s instructions.
- Cabbage Harvesting:
- Workers will line up in specified cabbage rows.
- They will bend over each cabbage to cut it, inspect and trim it as needed.
- After cutting, the cabbage should be placed in a bag, which is then put on a stainless steel table that will be moved along by a machine as the workers proceed.
- Workers must keep up with the machine.
- Weeding:
- Workers will use a hoe to clear weeds from walkways and manually remove weeds around plants.
- They will rake and pile debris in the growing areas and dispose of it as directed.
Workers must be prepared to work outside for at least six hours daily in all weather conditions. They need the physical stamina to perform repetitive tasks swiftly. The employer will provide the necessary tools at no charge; however, workers will be responsible for any reasonable costs associated with the refusal to return tools or the willful damage of tools.
Employees have the option to work additional hours if available, but such hours exceeding 20% of the offered hours are not guaranteed. There may be periods with minimal or no work due to various uncontrollable conditions.
If a worker requests a leave of absence during the contract period, the hours missed will be deducted from the total hours offered under the ETA 790A for the three-quarter guarantee calculation. A copy of the work contract or ETA 790, along with any modifications, will be provided to the H-2A worker by the time they apply for their visa. For workers moving from one H-2A employer to another, a copy of the contract will be given no later than when the offer of employment is made by the subsequent H-2A employer.
Job Classification
Code: 45-2092.00 – Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery and Greenhouse
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary responsibilities of farmworkers in this role?
Farmworkers are responsible for tasks such as cabbage harvesting, which includes cutting and trimming cabbages and placing them into bags for transport. They are also tasked with weeding, which involves removing weeds from walkways and around plants using hoes and hand tools.
Is prior experience required for this job?
No specific prior experience is required, but workers should be prepared for physical labor and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions. The employer will provide the necessary training and tools.
How many hours are workers expected to work each day?
Workers are expected to work at least six hours a day. There may be additional hours available if work is available, but this is not guaranteed and can vary based on crop and weather conditions.
Will workers be provided with the necessary tools for their tasks?
Yes, the employer will provide all necessary tools at no charge to the workers. However, workers will be charged for reasonable costs if they refuse to return the tools or if they cause willful damage.
What should workers do if they need a leave of absence?
If a worker requests a leave of absence during the contract period, the hours missed will be deducted from the total hours offered under the ETA 790A for the three-quarter guarantee.
Are there any guarantees regarding the amount of work available?
There is no guarantee of a specific number of work hours. Workers should expect occasional periods of minimal or no work due to factors such as weather or crop conditions beyond the employer’s control.
How is the work contract provided to the workers?
A copy of the work contract or ETA 790, along with any modifications, will be provided to the H-2A worker by the time they apply for their visa. For those moving between H-2A employers, the contract will be provided when an employment offer is made.
Can workers expect to work in adverse weather conditions?
Yes, workers should be prepared to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions. The job requires physical stamina to handle varying weather while performing repetitive tasks.
What happens if tools are damaged or not returned?
Workers will be responsible for reasonable costs related to the refusal to return tools or for any willful damage or destruction of the tools. These charges will be deducted as applicable.
