NWJP in the News
August 18, 2006 - NWJP Executive Director Michael Dale appeared on CNN's Lou Dobbs Tonight to discuss the H-2B temporary worker program. Michael made the case for reforming the H-2B visa program, arguing that the absence of access to legal assistance sends a message to H-2B employers that they may violate wage and hour laws with impunity.
May 28, 2006 - Michael Dale was interviewed by the New York Times about protecting the rights of immigrant workers employed by federal contractors as firefighters in the west's National Forests. The state of Oregon has imposed new rules requiring crew chiefs to speak English, a requirement that some say was calculated to disadvantage immigrant firefighters. Michael pointed out that what the State should be concerned about is not immigration, but enforcement of the laws designed to protect workers. "The issue is not immigration, it's the powerlessness of the workers," he said. The article can be found in the May 28, 2006 edition of the New York Times.
May 25, 2006 - In response to Michael's testimony in March of 2006, Sen. Jeff Bingaman introduced an amendment to the Senate immigration reform package, known as "the Pinero amendment," that would allow H-2B workers to seek help from federally funded legal aid lawyers. This story was covered in the May 27, 2006 edition of the Sacramento Bee.
March 2, 2006 - Michael Dale testified before Congress about the mistreatment of forest workers. Spurred in part by a three-part expose in the Sacramento Bee detailing the abuses of forestry workers, or pineros, working in the U.S. under H-2B visas, a Senate subcommittee heard testimony about rampant abuses by contractors working for the Forest Service. Michael called upon Congress to eliminate the restriction on legal services programs representing H-2B workers. The hearing, including Michael's testimony, was covered in the March 2, 2006 edition of the Sacramento Bee.
Newsletter
NWJP periodically publishes a newsletter that features the project's work and accomplishments, acknowledges supporters, and identifies trends relevant to contingent, low-wage, and immigrant workers.
All donors automatically receive a copy of NWJP's newsletter. If you are interested in receiving a copy but do not yet contribute to support NWJP's work, please send your mailing address or email address to Meg Heaton (meg@nwjp.org), with "newsletter" in the subject line.
Spring 2007 Newsletter - PDF 798KB
Winter 2006 Newsletter - PDF 1.1MB
Summer 2005 Newsletter - PDF 1.1MB
Summer 2004 Newsletter - PDF 1.1MB
