Mr. Speaker. I strongly support H.R. 1715. a bill to clarify the relationship between workers compensation benefits and the private right of action for certain jobrelated injuries under the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act [MSPA]. In the 1990 decision on the Adams Fruit case. the Supreme Court interpreted MSPA to provide for a private right of action for certain jobrelated injuries. even if the individual was covered by workers compensation at the time ot the injury. H.R. 1715 would reverse the Supreme Courts ruling. which essentially permits migrant and seasonal larmworkers to seek dual remedies. Agricultural employers could be exposed to potentially enormous liability for damages. in spite of the fact that they have contributed into the workers compensation system. The purpose ol workers compensation is to provide a prompt and reasonable remedy to the injured worker without delay or expense. Employers pay into workers compensation programs to avoid being exposed to additional liability. Moreover. in States where agricultural employers are not required to provide workers compensation for migrant and seasonal farmworkers. the Supreme Courts decision may act as a disincentive for employers to provide coverage for those workers. I urge my colleagues to support Chairman GOODLINGS substitute amendment to H.R. 1715. This package of legislative changes to MSPA is fully supported by agricultural employers and farmworker organizations.
Keywords matched
migrant Migrant