U.S. REPRESENTATIVE HOWARD L. BERMAN LAUDS INTRODUCTION
OF CRAIG/KENNEDY/CANNON/BERMAN FARM LABOR LEGISLATION

U.S. Rep. Howard L. Berman (D-CA) today announced the introduction of the Agricultural Jobs, Opportunity, Benefits, and Security Act of 2003, co-authored by Rep. Chris Cannon (R-UT). An identical bill was introduced in the Senate by Senators Larry Craig (R-WY) and Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA).

"I am pleased to join my colleagues in introducing the AGJOBS bill today," said Berman. "This important legislation addresses the harsh reality that the farm workers who plant and harvest the produce that feeds America are the most poorly paid and poorly treated workers in the United States. An intolerable percentage of today's farm labor force is undocumented. Agricultural interests have become dependent upon this cheap and easily exploited work force. Under the provisions of this bill, the growers will have a legalized workforce and they should compete for labor the way other industries do, by improving working conditions and wages to attract and hold an adequate supply of workers."

"Through grueling effort, the United Farm Workers of America and representatives of the agricultural industry . . .