Bush slashes wages, worker protections for nation’s farmworkers

Final changes to H-2A agricultural guestworker program are out. This program, which covers just 2% of the farm workforce as a means to legitimize migrant labor in agriculture, has been in dire need of an overhaul for years, according to both pro-business and pro-migrant groups. 

But these current revisions to the H-2A regulations are not pretty, according to Farmworker Justice:

The changes are horrible. At a time when the jobless rate is at a 15 year high, they reduce obligations for growers to effectively recruit U.S. workers before applying to bring in guestworkers for these jobs. They lower the wage rates for all farmworkers by changing the program’s wage formula and, in an industry known for labor abuses, they eliminate or reduce government oversight.

Ted Kennedy agrees, according to the NYTimes:

Anthony Coley, a spokesman for Senator Edward M. Kennedy, …denounced the revisions and said the senator "feels strongly that they should be withdrawn."

Diane Feinstein also would like to see the revisions withdrawn (SF Chronicle)

"This revision breaks apart a carefully crafted agreement between the growers and the farm labor community. I believe it will be undone." 

But unless Congress takes up the issue and stands up to a Bush veto within the next month — not likely, given that the issue has been in front of Congress for the last five years — changing the new revisions will require new legislation, a public comment period, etc, etc, etc.

And all of that was exactly the point. These revisions are a silent bailout of agribusiness, according to Latina Lista.

Your move, Mr. President-elect.