IDAHO STATESMAN

April 3, 2007

State explains rules for farmers, farmworkers

Statesman staff - Idaho Statesman

Idaho farmers and farmworkers should make sure the contractors they work with or for pay the minimum wage, provide safe working conditions and are bonded and licensed as state law requires, a state official said Monday.

"Farmworkers should know what to expect from their employers or labor contractor before accepting work," said Idaho Commerce and Labor Director Roger B. Madsen. "And Idaho farmers need to understand if their contractor fails to register with the state, they are liable for any unpaid wages owed to the workers."

In addition to wage, working conditions, bonding and licensing requirements, farm-labor contractors must provide workers with information on safety requirements, workplace standards and, if appropriate, housing conditions.