Seasonal Worker Solidarity Act Would Provide Justice for Seasonal Workers

Last month, Reps. Joaquin Castro of Texas and Judy Chu of California announced the re-introduction of the Seasonal Worker Solidarity Act. The measure will create a new framework for the H-2B temporary guest worker visa program to prevent discrimination and displacement, elevate labor standards, respond to real labor market needs, end captive employment, respect family unity, ensure access to justice, and afford immigrant workers a path to citizenship.

“The H-2B program’s current structure has allowed employers to pit working people against each other and enabled rampant wage theft, violence, retaliation and other forms of exploitation,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “Rather than continuing to expand this failed model, unions are calling for a new, pro-worker approach. This bill will lift standards in seasonal industries, enable workers to exercise their rights to organize, and provide a path to citizenship for migrant workers and their families.”

Last year, the number of workers in the H-2B visa system hit a record high of 132,000, and as H-2B visas increase, so does the urgency of reforming the system to better protect all workers. Seasonal workers do some of the most difficult and dangerous work and they deserve to be able to form unions to bargain for fair wages and safe working conditions. Currently, seasonal workers are some of the most exploited workers in the nation.

Contact members of our Congressional delegation and ask them to support the Seasonal Worker Solidarity Act!