September 13, 1965
PAGE 23529
FOREIGN FARM LABORERS
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, my State has a direct interest in the farm labor question. Traditionally, Canadian workers have been recruited to help with the harvesting of potatoes and apples.
This year we have gone through a careful review of the program as it operates in Maine and we have endeavored to meet the objectives of the Secretary of Labor in expanding opportunities for American workers to obtain these harvesting jobs.
I am in agreement with the Secretary's objectives. I believe we should make every effort to recruit American workers for farm jobs before we seek foreign labor. I believe we should do everything we can to insure better wages and working conditions for American farm workers.
At the same time, I have had questions about the Secretary of Labor's approach to the problem, this year. In the beginning of his efforts to curtail the importation of foreign laborers, there was a tendency to be arbitrary in calling for drastic reductions in the use of foreign labor. There was the clear implication that he planned to eliminate this source in 1 year. There was a disruption of the farm labor market as a result of the vigorous prosecution of his aims and some farmers have been hurt. None of us, I am sure, is happy over these conditions.
On the basis of our experience in Maine, however, it is clear that the Secretary of Labor has adopted a more realistic attitude toward the farm labor problem. When we were able to demonstrate that there were not sufficient domestic laborers available the Secretary authorized importation of Canadian workers.
I would not want the Secretary to abandon his objective of expanding job opportunities and improving working conditions for American workers, on the farm as well as in our factories. But, while he pursues his objective, he must give realistic attention to the needs of our farmers for a dependable supply of workers.
He should consult with appropriate agencies, including the Department of Agriculture, in setting administrative guidelines.
I appreciate the intention of the distinguished Senator from Florida [Mr. HOLLAND] to prevent a recurrence of the difficulties which we encountered this year. I disagree with the remedy he offers. I do not think it is administratively sound to place a labor supply and working condition question in the hands of the Secretary of Agriculture or any department or agency head other than the Secretary of Labor. The Secretary of Labor has this basic responsibility under many acts of Congress and his Department has the personnel and the administrative system to handle these questions. We should not change a basic administrative system simply to modify or correct a single policy matter.
For these reasons, Mr. President, I have decided to support the Bass motion to strike the Holland amendment.
I do so because I believe the approach offered by that amendment is not the best one to achieve our objective of encouraging a better handling of the farm labor problem, and because I believe that the Secretary of Labor will give more attention to the problems of farmers in future harvesting seasons.