Migratory Labor In American Agriculture

Migratory farm workers employed in 688 countries in 46 states in 1965 represent a 9 percent increase over 1964. Average earnings for the migratory farm worker in 1965 were $1,737. In spite of the new legislation, which is described, there are additional needs in the areas of wages, child labor, health, education, day care, housing, sanitation, and Volunteers in Service to America. The following corrective legislation was recommended: (1) extension of collective bargaining rights to migrant workers under the National Labor Relations Act, (2) modernized recruitment procedures to result in substantial year-round employment and a more stabilized labor supply, (3) establishment of a national advisory committee, (4) rapid tax amortization for construction of migrant housing, (5) extension of compulsory workmen's compensation laws, (6) unemployment insurance laws for migratory farm workers, (7) modification of old age, survivors, and disability insurance, and (8) public welfare assistance based on need rather than residence. The appendixes contain information concerning domestic agricultural migrants in the United States by states and county and grant assistance by state and project. A map of domestic agricultural migrants by county in the United States and a minority report by two committee members are included.