In This Section Monitor Advocate National Directory Affirmative Action Plan Foreign Labor Certification National Farmworker Job Program (NFJP) Housing for Migrant Workers Complaint Referral Record

States are required to ensure that the services provided to Migrant Seasonal Farmworkers (MSFWs) are “qualitatively equivalent and quantitatively proportionate” to the services provided to other jobseekers. This means that MSFWs should receive all workforce development services, benefits and protections on an equitable and non-discriminatory basis (i.e. career guidance, testing, job development, training, and job referral). The form that allows states to report on the services provided to MSFWs is ETA Form 5148. In accordance with OMB requirements ETA Form 5148 can be submitted electronically through a system called the Labor Exchange Agricultural Reporting System (LEARS).

State and Regional Monitor Advocates are responsible for ensuring that services provided are in accordance with federal regulations (20 C.F.R. 651-658) and the Workforce Investment Act.

The Monitor Advocates support the needs of MSFWs by

• Providing information about farmworker needs, characteristics, and concerns;



• Developing linkages with a broad range of stakeholders, including community- and employer-based organizations;



• Participating in the planning and integration and system-building functions of "one-stop" centers;



• Producing annual service assessments and analyses to promote a better understanding of services to farmworkers and to highlighting special efforts and accomplishments by states in serving them; and,



• Ensuring that all legal protections are afforded to farmworkers and that their complaints are promptly resolved.

The Employment and Training Administration's (ETA) Employment Service is currently reviewing service delivery to MSFWs to ensure consistency with the current workforce environment and the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. Below is a general list of the goals that have been identified as part of ETA's strategic plan to assist in the development of a new and improved delivery system, which will enhance the opportunities for MSFWs:

• Increase the number of MSFWs participating in all labor exchange activities



• Increase the number of agricultural employer utilizing labor exchange services



• Encourage the use of the Agricultural Recruitment System (Agricultural Recruitment System (ARS))



• Encourage the participation of MSFWs who wish to transition to higher wage jobs and obtain permanent year round employment in areas outside of agricultural work



• Continue to enhance collaboration with organizations that the provide services to MSFWs



• Full integration of MSFWs and agencies that serve them into the One-Stop centers around the country