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If you’re thinking about hiring temporary workers for your business in 2003, now is the time to start the process of applying for H-2A and H-2B temporary guest worker programs, according to information from Mid American Ag and Hort Services (MAAHS).

"While these programs are not for every employer, they are viable tools to consider," according to a news release from MAAHS.

The H-2A program is a legal nonimmigrant temporary worker visa program, which permits agricultural employers to apply for nonimmigrant alien workers to perform any type of seasonal or temporary farm work.

Employers need to test the domestic labor market through positive recruitment, provide approved housing for workers, provide workers' compensation insurance, reimburse transportation expense from point of recruitment and the return trip back and pay at least the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (currently $8.38/hour in Ohio). H-2A workers are not subject to state and federal taxes and overtime pay does not apply.

The H-2B program is a legal nonimmigrant temporary foreign worker visa program that allows U.S. employers to apply for alien workers to meet nonagricultural seasonal or peak load recurring labor needs.

Workers may be employed from two to 10 months of the year, depending on the job to be performed. There is no limit to the number of years an employer or worker can participate in the program. Employers need to test the domestic labor market through positive recruitment and provide workers' compensation insurance. Wage rates are based on U.S. Department of Labor statistics for the area and the job to be performed with overtime applying for hours worked more than 40 per week.

MAAHS contracts with Mid-Atlantic Resources Association (MARA) to assist employers in recruiting workers through this process. MARA asks for three months’ notice before the date of need in the H-2A program and five months before the date of need in the H-2B program.

MAAHS is a consortium of associations, organizations and employers organized to meet the educational, compliance assistance and labor recruiting needs of agricultural and other employers in Ohio and Indiana. It provides educational materials, seminars, telephone consultation, guest worker recruiting programs and more to its members.

Contact MAAHS at 614-677-4530 or labor@ofbf.org to learn more about becoming a member and receiving information on labor programs including temporary guest workers.