DOL cracks down on New Jersey blueberry industry
Blueberries are a major part of New Jersey's agricultural industry during the summer, and the Department of Labor has had to take special note of field laborers' time and attendance in the state.
The Wage and Hour division has found numerous labor violations in New Jersey's blueberry industry, so it began a serious initiative to combat the issue a few years ago. According to the DOL, violations usually involve denying workers their due wages in compliance with the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act. Past investigations found that many employers would overcharge laborers for things like snacks and sports drinks, bringing their wages below legal limits.
Failing to inform workers of employment terms and keep accurate payroll records are other common violations. In 2012, businesses in the blueberry industry owed more than $80,000 in back wages to over 850 workers.
New Jersey companies have been getting into hot water over this seasonal industry for years. In 2011, Columbia Fruit Farms was ordered to pay $1.54 million to improve labor conditions for its 300 blueberry workers, according to the Bangor Daily News. Because of the DOL's rigorous enforcement of labor laws, some farms are considering switching to technology.
"Down the road, they're not going to use pickers," Gary Pavlis, a New Jersey agricultural agent, told the source.
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