MSFW PROGRAM?
The Migrant Seasonal Farmworkers (MSFWs) program is a national program initiated by the federal government to "respond to the chronic seasonal unemployment and underemployment experienced by Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers (MSFWs)." (USDOL)
The MSFW program assists workers classified as: Migrant Farmworkers, Seasonal Farmworkers, or Migrant Food Processing Workers. The required federal program is a set up through the state Workforce Centers to offer a full range of quality employment services, benefits, and protections to the Migrant Seasonal Farm Workers (MSFWs) afforded the same benefits, equal to the workers who are not classified as MSFW.
Additional Resources: Guide to manage employer provided housing
WHO ARE THE MSFW?
An individual can be classified as a type of worker for the MSFW program if they meet the following:
- Migrant Agricultural Worker is anyone employed in agriculture on a temporary basis that is required by his/her work to be absent overnight from his/her permanent place of residence.
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker means anyone employed in agriculture that is not required by his/her work to be absent overnight from his/her permanent place of residence.
For more information on any of these services, contact your local Workforce office or the State Monitor Advocate.
Find a Workforce Center
WORKFORCE CENTER SERVICES
The Colorado Department of Labor & Employment administers a bilingual (English/Spanish) outreach program for predominantly Spanish speaking clientele in accordance with 20 CFR 653 and as a significant MSFW State.
The Workforce Centers provide quality employment services and referrals to customers. Outreach efforts are accomplished by personal contacts with Migrant and Seasonal Farm workers to provide the full range.
- Job search assistance and placement
- Registration assistance
- Assistance with Unemployment Insurance
- Testing
- Counseling
- Training Opportunities
- Referral to supportive services
- Job development
- Referrals to other organizations that serve Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers
- Complaint resolution
- Farmworker rights and labor law information
Services to Agricultural Employers through the One-Stop Delivery System The Migrant and Seasonal Farm Worker Program is designed to enhance and expand services to meet the needs of the agricultural industry. Colorado will provide services to agricultural employers by effectively providing information about services available through the workforce development system and, at the same time, obtaining sufficient information about the employer’s needs to provide appropriate services to include the following.
- Labor exchange services
- Job order listing
- Outreach contacts
- Pre-occupancy housing inspections
- Labor market information
- Employer forums
- Farm Labor Contractor licensing (State License)
- Adams County Workforce & Business Center
Brighton, CO 80601 - Employment Services of Weld County
Greeley, CO 80631 - Lamar Workforce Center
Lamar, CO 81052 - Monte Vista Workforce Center
(Serving Rio Grande, Saguache & Mineral counties)
Monte Vista, CO 81144 - Delta Workforce Center
Delta, CO 81416 - La Junta Workforce Center
(Serving Otero, Bent & Crowley counties)
La Junta, CO 81050
- Federal Regulations 20 CFR 651 - General Provisions Governing the Federal - State Employment Service Plan
- Federal Regulations 20 CFR 653 - Services for the Employment Service System
- Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act
CONTACT INFORMATION
Olga Ruiz State Monitor Advocate Email: olga.ruiz@state.co.us Phone Number: (303) 318-8802