Birmingham, AL – A state program to fill vacant agricultural jobs is off to a slow start despite what farmers say is a labor shortage caused by Alabama's new law on illegal immigration.
The state says about 200 people have signed up for the new Work Alabama program since it was unveiled last week. But the Industrial Relations agency says only one employer has sought one worker through the program.
Despite the disparity, the head of a Birmingham-based produce company says he's failed in his effort to recruit unemployed U.S. citizens to fill farm jobs. Jerry Spencer of Grow Alabama says Alabamians he's attempted to hire lack the physical stamina and mental toughness for the jobs once performed by Hispanics.
Industrial Relations spokeswoman Tara Hutchison says people are willing to do such work.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)