Local grape growers and vintners meet today in Santa Rosa to gather information about the new hiring directives issued from Homeland Security set to take effect next month. The seminar, presented by Michael Saqui of Saqui and Romando Counselors to Management, will address the tough new federal legislation and its expected enforcement .
Beginning October 1, all employees who cannot verify their right-to-work status will face dismissal. Employers who fail to comply with the directive will face fines from $1-$10,000 dollars. The new legislation is expected to have a significant impact in the Sonoma Valley, where use of undocumented labor is widespread. Pundits predict consumers will see its effects most clearly at the checkout counter next year, where a bottle of wine is projected to cost more.
Interest in the one-day seminar was heavy, forcing organizers to limit participation to sixty-two. A second seminar is slated for November. Book a reservation with the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission at 707.522.5864.
