Farmworker Rights
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… more
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… more
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,… more
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… more
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… more
Driving in Michigan
Learn more about driver’s license (DL), eligibility, additional certifications, REAL ID, common questions, and more.
Farmworker Housing
Occupant Rights
You have a right to have visitors at your farmworker housing! You do not need permission, and you do not need to disclose who is visiting you. Visitors or service providers do not need a direct invitation to sign in or to otherwise obtain permission from an employer, property manager, farm labor… more
Immigration
The U.S. Immigration System Is Complex.
However, there are generally two categories of visas:
Immigrant visas are available to certain individuals who are sponsored for entry by family member or employer and include a pathway to reside permanently in the United States; and
Non-immigrant visas, which are for… more
Taxes
Income Taxes
Local, State, and Federal income taxes are taxes that are removed from your paycheck by the government based on the total income that an individual makes in a given year. Not all local or state governments impose income taxes, but the state of Michigan does.
Tax returns are documents where an… more
Unemployment
Eligible workers who have sufficient earnings and who lose their jobs through no fault of their own may be entitled to payments from the State of Michigan while they search for new employment. Unemployment payments can last between 14 and 26 weeks.
Even if your employer said you do not qualify for unemployment… more
Consumer Protections
Consumer Scams
Consumer scams are generally considered fraudulent, deceptive acts or operations. Scammers often promise benefits, like a job, loan, immigration relief, or money in the attempt to steal your identity, obtain payment up front, or force you to continue to work for them.
Common scams include:
Jobs… more
Public Benefits in Michigan
Public benefits are government-funded programs that assist individuals and families in need. Public benefits may include access to healthcare, housing, food, childcare, utilities, tax credits or financial assistance. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) oversees most public benefits programs.… more