Employer: Humberto Castaneda Produce
2859 Fulton Road
Fulton, CA 95439
Research findings: An investigation of the Division of Hours and Wages The U.S. Department of Labor determined that grower Humberto Castaneda Produce violated numerous requirements of the H-2A temporary agricultural worker programInvestigators found that the employer paid higher rates to workers on H-2A visas than to local workers, failed to provide tools, meals or kitchen facilities to workers, who were housed in dilapidated trailers that did not meet code, and failed to reimburse transportation costs in and out of the country. Additionally, the grower failed to ensure safe transportation, used uncertified drivers who lacked licenses, and paid workers below the rate promised in their contract.
Recovered wages/fines: $31,102 in wages for 23 workers.
$18,154 in fines.
Ambition“Humberto Castaneda Produce was aware of the requirements of the H-2A program but chose to violate the rights of local and guest workers by failing to provide them with 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.”
Context: Humberto Castaneda Produce is an agricultural employer specializing in the cultivation of various types of vegetables, including serrano and jalapeno peppers, tomatoes, squash, and wine grapes. The company owns and operates farms in Sonoma County and was established in 1988. The producer supplies produce to large customers, such as Safeway supermarkets, and to small local retailers.
Workers can use the job search tool unpaid wages to workers to see if they are owed back wages collected by the division. Employers and workers can contact the Wage and Hour Division for assistance by calling the toll-free number 1-866-4-US-WAGE. Both workers and employers can help ensure that hours worked and pay are accurate by downloading the department’s app for Android and iOS devices for free in Spanish and English.
This press release also is available in English.
