Proposed federal changes for foreign ag workers could affect Montana sheepherder

A proposal by the U.S. Department of Labor to change policies governing foreign agricultural workers – including sheepherders – has left the Montana Department of Labor and Industry busy answering questions from state ranchers. This week, western Montana rancher John Stahl voiced concern that a proposed federal policy change would jeopardize his sheep grazing project on Missoula’s open space and cost his hired hand – Enrique Marquez Banda – his job. Some ranchers, like Stahl, fear the changes would no longer allow them to pay their workers a monthly salary. Rather, they'd be required to pay their foreign workers $8.05 an hour when on the job, which runs 24 hours a day. Stahl and other Montana ranchers have also expressed concern over a second proposed change that would require foreign workers to live in homes with a fixed foundation. That would preclude them from living in wagons or trailers, which is common among sheepherders. Harris said the proposed change applies to foreign agricultural workers, though it will likely include an exemption for sheepherders. “It’s our understanding that sheepherders would receive an exemption for that, but it’s all just a proposal right now,” Harris said. “Our offices in Missoula, Hamilton and Helena have been receiving calls on this all day. They’re concerned about the changes.”...more