1. Forestry Labor 2016 And Beyond
Dan Bremer
AgWorksH2, LLC

2. The Present Talk of Comprehensive Immigration Reform
U S Department of Labor and ICE Investigations
Shortage of US workers
H2B Visa Program Issues

3. Forest Operations Responsibilities
Hire Your Own Workers - All Labor Rules Apply – New Salary Test
Use a Farm Labor Contractor
Must See Their License – Current
Must Receive a Copy of Their Payroll
Transportation of Workers
Housing of Workers
Joint Employment
Contract As Soon As Possible

4. Farm Labor Contractors
Must be Registered – Current – Vehicles on License (Worst Government Office Ever)
Most Use the H2B Visa Program
Currently Slow – Delays – Apply 6 Months Out
Expensive – Wages – Transportation -
Housing
Cap Limitations of 66,000 per Year

5. Actions Taken by Forestry Industry and Others
Multiple Lawsuits v. US Dept of Labor
New and Invasive Regulations
New and Much Higher Wages
Lobby Efforts
Compliance With Regulations Efforts

6. The Future Comprehensive Immigration Reform
More Enforcement on Employers/Joint
Wage and Hour Will Be Coming To You
IRS and OSHA Will Be Coming To You
Increased Press Involvement
Increased Legal Aid Lawsuits
Affordable Care Act

7. Congressional Help Do not leave final wording up to Washington
Contact your Representatives and Senators
You should be on a first name basis with your Representatives and Senators
Urge all Forestry interests around you to become involved

8. Media Relations Designate One Person to Speak to Media
Have Two or Three Topics/ Stick to Them
Do Not Speak Bad of Local Workers
Say There Are Just Not Enough Who Can Do the Work
Emphasize American Workers Who Benefit From Your Crops/ Machinery Sales, etc.
Do Not Be Led Into Temptation