CHALLENGES & STRATEGIES IN AGRICULTURAL LABOR MANAGEMENT
Detailed Description of Topics covered:
Overview and Discussion of Labor Management Issues in Southern California:
A panel discussion focusing on labor availability and labor management issues featuring experts from various sectors of the agricultural industry and Farm Bureau executives in Southern California.
Wage & Hour, Labor Laws Update: Review of recent and future changes in regulations, ranging from minimum wage and overtime, to piece-rate, non-productive time recordkeeping, DOL-MSPA requirements, FLSA new overtime and exempt employee requirements and open forum for Q&A.
Managing Joint Liability under AB 1897: Review of evolution of law to the point where growers are now considered joint employers of the employees of their FLCs, and what employers can and should do to most effectively manage and reduce their liabilities. From due diligence, audits, and written contracts, there are multiple tools leading to best practices.
Basics in Legal and Effective Hiring & Orientation for Ag Labor: A wide range of labor laws require employers to go far beyond a work application, I-9 and W-4. Compliance and best practices include providing information on wages, medical provider networks, worker safety, harassment prevention, paid sick leave, and other employee benefits. Establishing a strong employer-employee relationship starts on day one!
Effective Management of Work Injuries: California's workers compensation insurance system is rigged! Yes, it purposefully favors the injured worker. The costs of litigated claims and extended disability can drive employers crazy. Learn what tools you can use to most effectively reduce litigation, get injured workers back into productive mode, and keep your costs down.
Keeping Workers Safe, and Cal OSHA Happy: Statistics tell us that agricultural employees are at significant risk for workplace injuries and fatalities. Cal OSHA's mission is to protect worker health and safety by requiring employers to comply with a wide range of regulations, including IIPP, Heat Illness Prevention, Hazard Communication, and reporting requirements. Learn how to make your worker safety program meet the requirements, and keep employees safe.
Selection and Development of Front-Line Supervisors: When you need to add or replace a front-line supervisor, what is your process for identifying and selecting the best candidate? Is it based on dependability, work skills, or seniority? Or maybe you're looking for real leaders. Learn about effective strategies to identify the best candidate, and how to mold that person into the effective leader your workers deserve.
The H2A Visa Program – What You Need to Know: The H-2A program allows U.S. employers or U.S. agents who meet specific regulatory requirements to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill temporary agricultural jobs. Do you qualify? Do you know the process? This session will teach all you need to know to take advantage of this program.
Labor Shortages - Assorted Strategies: California agriculture relies on low-cost immigrant labor. But that labor force is shrinking while demand remains steady. With labor-intensive crops, agricultural employers are being creative in their efforts to meet the demand for labor. Will it be H2A visa programs, expanded recruitment, improved compensation, mechanization, or what? Join us for this wide-ranging discussion.
MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION OF PERSONNEL FOR AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS (IN SPANISH)
Detailed Description of Topics Covered:
Roles & Responsibilities of Front-Line Supervision: Strong and creative leadership is required to manage our evolving workforce. Old-school management practices often result in high turnover and low productivity. You have the job title, but are you prepared to motivate your crew to perform and meet the boss's expectations? We'll discuss some of your challenges and how you can best meet the needs of your employer and members of the crew.
Managing the Safety of Your Crew(s): Nobody wants to see a worker suffer a work injury, or the costs of the workers' comp claim, or the potential Cal OSHA violations. The safety manager, or employer can't be there at all times, and relies on front-line supervisors to help implement the company safety program and prevent work injuries. Know your responsibilities under the company safety program; the basic regulations, and how you can help prevent workplace injuries.
Positive and Clear Communications for Positive Results: Life in agriculture gets tough with increasing labor shortages, and a workforce that has greater understanding of their rights and enforcement agencies. Faulty communications lead to poor performance, or a disgruntled workforce. Learn why communications often fail, and the power of positive communications to motivate and mold your employees.
Wage & Hour and MSPA Changing Requirements: Federal and state regulations covering agriculture worker wages and hours are complex and changing. Know the requirements for rest and meal periods, overtime, piece-rate work and non-productive time, providing tools and equipment, and worker transportation. Compliance is critical to prevent costly claims!
Preventing Sexual Harassment & Bullying: From the fields to the White House, sexual harassment is in the news. What is sexual harassment? What is bullying behavior? What are the protections for the LGBT community? What are your rights and responsibilities to prevent and to properly report any type of harassment? Learn this and more.