Alejo’s Agricultural Workers Permit Act passes committee

A bill changing the work rules for undocumented agricultural workers moves through Assembly. AB 20 is sponsored by local lawmaker Luis Alejo and if passed, could have a big impact locally.

The Department of Labor says half of the country’s ag workplace is made up of undocumented workers, but many believe it’s as high as 75%. According to Assembly Member Alejo, one key factor behind the industry’s $46 billion success is its workers.

AB 20 would establish a 2-3 year pilot program that would issue worker permits to undocumented ag workers, allowing them to legally work in the state. That would also make them subject to paying taxes. The bill would protect undocumented ag workers also, entitling them to the same wages, hours and working conditions as other employees. While AB 20 is focused solely on the ag workers, Alejo says he wouldn’t mind expanding it to other industries.

“This pilot program is focusing on agricultural workers because that’s where the greatest need is right now within our state,” Alejo said. “But if it’s successful, we hope it can expand to other areas, other industries in the state of California. Hopefully, it can serve as a model to other states that are willing to enact laws and programs that will help improve the lives of hard working immigrants in their own states.”

Alejo says this bill could benefit up to 300,000 workers in the state and help the 20-25% worker shortage. It’s getting a lot of support from ag businesses and even the Monterey County Farm Bureau.

On Friday, AB 20 passed out of the Labor and Employment Committee and could be headed to the Senate next month. But even if it’s signed into law by Governor Brown, something would have to be worked out with the feds because giving out work permits is a federal issue.