Farmworker Employment Rights

You have the right to be free from abuse and harassment in the workplace and in your home! Whether at the workplace or at home, it is important to recognize signs of abuse. Abuse is not just physical! It can also include: Threats; Isolation and intimidation; Emotional mistreatment and verbal abuse; Forced sex; Financial abuse; and/or Minimizing the abuse, denying abuse occurred, and blaming others for their abusive behaviors. Sexual Harassment is illegal and can take many forms. Regardless of where you are, no one has the right to make: Unwelcome sexual advanc...

Learn more about H-2A jobs in Michigan, how to obtain an H-2A job, worker’s rights under an H-2A contract, and more.

Learn more about injuries and illnesses, worker’s right to workers’ compensation, ESTA, and more.

What Are Pesticides? Pesticides are chemicals used to kill weeds, insects and other pests that damage plants. Be Cautious of Pesticides Exposure to pesticides can have immediate or long-term effects on your health. Immediate or short-term symptoms can include flu-like symptoms, skin rashes and blisters, eye irritation, blurred vision, blindness, nausea, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, numbness, dizziness, headaches, tingling in your limbs, coma, or death. Delayed effects may be cancer, birth defects, endocrine disruption, harm to your kidneys, liver, or nervous system. Protec...

Learn more about minimum wages in Michigan, piece rates, overtime pay requirements, potential higher wages, and example of a paystub.

Has your supervisor told you there is no more work for you, but the season has not finished? You may be able to keep working! Generally, Your Employer Cannot Fire or Lay You off If: They are basing your termination on your race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, familial status, or terminating you because you complained about unlawful employment conditions (e.g. unsafe working conditions, unpaid wages). They promised you a specific period of work or amount of money, and you have not received it. You are a U.S. worker in an ...

Workers Have the Right to a Safe and Sanitary Work Environment Your employer must notify each employee of the location of the sanitation facilities and must allow reasonable opportunities during the workday to: Use the facilities for drinking, hand‑washing, and use of the toilet; Drink water frequently from a single-use, unshared cup or drinking fountain, especially on hot days; Wash hands before eating or smoking; Wash hands before and after using the toilet; and Use the bathroom as often as necessary. Drinking water must be: Provided free of charge by the employer;...

Familial and Pregnancy Discrimination is Illegal: Employers cannot terminate your work, refuse to hire, lower your pay, or deny housing or employment solely because you have a family, require family housing, or are pregnant. Your employer is required to provide reasonable accommodations for disabilities, including disabilities related to pregnancy or recent childbirth, absent undue hardship. Age Discrimination is Illegal: In Michigan, employers cannot fire, refuse to hire, or treat workers differently based on age. Discrimination against legally employable children or older adults bas...