Summary
Date Reported: 18 Sep 2024
Location:
United States of America
A US Department of Labor investigation into conditions for workers at Humberto Castaneda Produce found the employer paid higher rates to workers with H2-A visas than to local workers, failed to provide tools, meals or kitchen facilities to workers, housed workers in "dilapidated trailers" and did not reimburse inbound and outbound transportation costs. The employer also had not secured safe transportation, used uncertified drivers who did not have licenses, and paid workers below the promised rate on their contract.
Companies
Humberto Castaneda Produce
- Employer
,
Safeway USA (part of Albertsons)
- Buyer
,
Albertsons
- Other Value Chain Entity
Affected
Total individuals affected:
Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (
Number unknown
- Location unknown
, Agriculture & livestock
, Gender not reported
, Documented migrants
)
,
Workers: (
Number unknown
- United States of America
, Agriculture & livestock
, Gender not reported
, Documented migrants
)
Issues
Recruitment Fees
,
Right to Food
,
Precarious/Unsuitable Living Conditions
,
Occupational Health & Safety
,
Wage Theft
Response
Response sought: Yes, by BHRRC
Story containing response:
(Find out more)
Action taken: The US Department of Labor (DoL) fined Humberto Castaneda Produce USD31,102 in back wages and USD18,154 in civil penalties having established numbers abuses of H2-A seasonal farmworkers employed at the farm. The US DoL press release said Humberto Castaneda Produce suppliers to large clients including Safeway supermarkets; BHRRC invited Albertsons to respond, it did not.