H-2A, H-2B Labor Meetings Coming Up Next Month in Alexandria & Baton Rouge

Louisiana farmers and agribusinesses depend on the H-2A and H-2B programs for seasonal labor.

Louisiana farmers and agribusinesses depend on the H-2A and H-2B programs for seasonal labor.

More than 12 thousand foreign workers came to Louisiana last year to fill jobs locals will not take, according to the United States Labor Department’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification. Many of those jobs are keep farms and agricultural interests running. Farmers who need workers turn to the H-2A program to fill jobs. Those who process agricultural goods use the H-2B program. Louisiana ranks fifth in the nation when it comes to using the H-2B program and sixth in using the H-2A program. 

In January, the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division will host a pair of day-long meetings to help the men and women who use the H-2A and H-2B programs better understand what they need to remain in compliance with federal and state laws. 

The meetings will take place January 18, 2018, at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library on Goodwood Blvd. in Baton Rouge, La. and on January 19, 2018, at the Central Louisiana Technical Community College on South MacArthur Dr. in Alexandria, La. Experts will teach the employers’ obligations and responsibilities for seasonal guest workers under the Fair Labor Standard Act and also cover the requirements to participate in the H-2B program.

The events are free to attend, though you must register in advance because seating is limited.

To register for the Baton Rouge event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/federal-and-state-agencies-to-offer-h-programs-compliance-assistance-event-for-louisiana-employers-tickets-41094205876

To register for the Alexandria event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/federal-and-state-agencies-to-offer-h-programs-compliance-assistance-event-for-louisiana-employers-tickets-41247089154

Avery Davidson