US Department of Labor recovers $31K in wages for 23 farmworkers after Sonoma County grower violated H-2A program requirements

Employer:      Humberto Castaneda Produce

                        2859 Fulton Road

Fulton, CA 95439 

Investigation findings: A U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division investigation found grower Humberto Castaneda Produce violated numerous requirements under the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program. Investigators found the employer paid higher rates to workers with H-2A visas than to local workers, failed to provide tools, meals or kitchen facilities to workers, housed workers in dilapidated trailers not up to code and did not reimburse inbound and outbound transportation costs. Additionally, the grower did not secure safe transportation, used uncertified drivers lacking licenses and paid workers below the promised rate on their contract.

Wages Recovered/Penalties Assessed:        $31,102 in back wages for 23 workers.

                                                                        $18,154 in civil money penalties.

Quote: “Humberto Castaneda Produce knew the requirements of the H-2A program but chose to violate the rights of guest and local workers by failing to provide full wages and safe housing and transportation,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Francisco Ocampo in San Jose, California. “Thanks to our investigation, these workers will receive the wages and benefits to which they are entitled.”

Background: Humberto Castaneda Produce is an agricultural employer specializing in growing various types of vegetables, including serrano and jalapeno peppers, tomatoes, squash and wine grapes. The company owns and operates fields in Sonoma County and was established in 1988. The grower supplies produce to large clients such as Safeway supermarkets and to small, local grocers.

Workers can use the division’s Workers Owed Wages search tool to see if they are owed back wages collected by the division. Employers and workers can contact the Wage and Hour Division for assistance at its toll-free number, 1-866-4-US-WAGE. Workers and employers alike can help ensure hours worked and pay are accurate by downloading the department’s Android and iOS Timesheet App for free in English or Spanish. 

This news release is also available in Spanish.