[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F3F3F3″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/CLS_ARTWORK_7.png” background_position=”top_center” background_enable_mask_style=”on” background_mask_style=”wave” background_mask_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.9)” background_last_edited=”on|desktop” use_background_color_gradient_tablet=”on” background_color_gradient_stops_tablet=”rgba(255,255,255,0.9) 0%|rgba(255,255,255,0.9) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image_tablet=”on” background_position_tablet=”bottom_center” background_enable_mask_style_tablet=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Farm Worker Rights” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][dmpro_breadcrumbs bc_custom_home=”on” bc_home_text=”Home” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-30px|||5px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/dmpro_breadcrumbs][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Legal Services for Farm Workers Since 1993 ” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font_size=”36px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The Farm Worker Rights Division of Colorado Legal Services provides education, advocacy, and legal representation to farm workers throughout Colorado. We are based in the Denver office of Colorado Legal Services, and we serve farm workers throughout the state, with an emphasis on Northeastern Colorado, the Arkansas Valley\/Southeastern Colorado, the San Luis Valley, and the Western Slope. We collaborate with community groups, nongovernmental organizations, governmental agencies and others who also serve the interests of Colorado\u2019s farm workers.<\/p>\n
We offer free and confidential services to individuals and families. We also participate in community education events to provide information about the legal rights of farm workers.<\/p>\n
We assist farm workers with a variety of legal issues related to their work such as unpaid wages, dangerous or abusive working conditions, sexual harassment and other types of discrimination.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_0379-1-scaled.jpg” alt=”Img 0379 (1)” title_text=”Img 0379 (1)” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F3F3F3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Wages” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font_size=”36px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
We represent farm workers seeking to recover unpaid wages or who are misclassified or have other wage related issues.<\/p>\n
Farm workers in Colorado must receive the higher of the hourly federal or state minimum wage. Unfortunately, farm workers often do not receive the minimum wage, especially when they are working at a piece rate (i.e., being paid by the bucket or bag). Regardless of the method of payment, a farm worker must receive the minimum hourly wage for each hour worked. Other common wage problems include failure to receive pay stubs, unlawful deductions, and failure to receive pay for all hours worked. The following laws regulate the payment of wages to Colorado farm workers: the Fair Labor Standards Act<\/a>, the Colorado Wage Statute<\/a> and the Colorado Minimum Wage<\/a>. Please note that the minimum wage changes each year on January 1st. For more information on unpaid wages, please see our sample wage-demand letter in English<\/a> or in Spanish<\/a> and the complaint process with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/websitegraphic-scaled.jpg” alt=”Websitegraphic” title_text=”Websitegraphic” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#0C3F49″ custom_padding=”60px|30px|60px|30px|true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”H-2A Workers\u2019 Rights” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” title_font_size=”36px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We represent H-2A farm workers and those in corresponding employment who are seeking to enforce their rights under the H-2A regulations and\/or state or federal laws. [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#3C1518″ custom_padding=”60px|30px|60px|30px|true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Civil Rights” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” title_font_size=”36px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We represent farm workers who have been discriminated against in their employment based upon their race, color, national origin, and sex (including sexual harassment).<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#B7410E” custom_padding=”60px|30px|60px|30px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Immigration” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” title_font_size=”36px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We represent farm workers who are human trafficking survivors or victims of other work related crimes. We also represent eligible farm workers interested in going through the naturalization process to become U.S. Citizens.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F3F3F3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Working and Living Conditions” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font_size=”36px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Combating pesticide exposure, fighting for adequate housing and sustenance, ensuring adequate field sanitation, and representation related to on the job injuries. <\/p>\n Federal law, the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (AWPA), requires agricultural employers and farm labor contractors to observe certain labor standards when employing migrant and seasonal agricultural workers. Such standards include, but are not limited to, recruitment, wages, transportation and housing.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Farm Labor Contractors” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#F7C959″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”40px” content_max_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Many farm workers are employed by a farm labor contractor who acts as the “middleman” between the workers and the agricultural employer. Current law requires that such farm labor contractors must be licensed both by the federal government (page 3) and Colorado. Further, agricultural employers that use farm labor contractors are required to use someone who is properly licensed.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Transportation ” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#F7C959″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”40px” content_max_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Many farm workers are employed by a farm labor contractor who acts as the “middleman” between the workers and the agricultural employer. Current law requires that such farm labor contractors must be licensed both by the federal government (page 3) and Colorado. Further, agricultural employers that use farm labor contractors are required to use someone who is properly licensed.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Housing ” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#F7C959″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”40px” content_max_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Temporary farm worker housing can be overcrowded, unsanitary and dilapidated. Anyone who owns or controls such housing for farm workers must ensure that it meets health and safety standards at both the state and federal level.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Field Sanitation ” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#F7C959″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”40px” content_max_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n For most employers, federal law states that farm workers must have potable drinking water, bathrooms and hand washing facilities in the fields.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Pesticides ” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#F7C959″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”40px” content_max_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A study conducted by CPAP in 2001 found that 59 percent of farm workers had never received pesticide safety training and that 49 percent of farm workers had experienced symptoms of pesticide exposure like skin irritation, headaches or inflamed eyes after working in the fields.<\/p>\n The Worker Protection Standards (WPS) regulate the use of pesticides on farms, in greenhouses and in nurseries. WPS, for example, requires safety trainings for workers, decontamination sites, reentry intervals after pesticide use and special training and protective gear for those handling and applying pesticides. A farm worker can report any violations of the WPS to the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Further, a third party, such as a nongovernmental organization, can report a pesticides complaint on behalf of a worker, who wishes to remain anonymous, by filing an Agricultural Worker Information Referral Form. Violations of pesticide safety regulations should be reported as soon as possible.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Get Involved” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Legal Fellowships” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#F7C959″ image_icon_width=”40px” icon_alignment=”left” content_max_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We welcome applications from an attorney\/law fellow who is interested in applying for funding through Skadden, Equal Justice Works, or other equivalent fellowship programs.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Volunteer Attorneys” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#F7C959″ image_icon_width=”40px” icon_alignment=”left” content_max_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We welcome any volunteer attorneys who can provide pro bono services to assist with legal cases on behalf of farm workers. For more information, please contact us at info@coloradofarmworkers.org<\/a> or at (303) 866-9366<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The H-2A program authorizes agricultural employers to bring in foreign workers on temporary visas if the employer can show that there are insufficient U.S. workers available to do work. These employers are required to comply with federal regulations relating to recruitment, wages, housing and payment of work-related expenses.<\/p>\n