Labor Dept. Issues Final Ruling On Temporary Ag Workers

U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) applauded a final rule issued by the Department of Labor amending the 2008 regulations governing the labor certification process under the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program, USAgNet reports.

“These new regulations are a huge step forward,” said Harkin. “These important changes will ensure that American workers are always first in line for available jobs, and establish stronger protections to ensure that vulnerable H-2A workers are not abused. Providing fair wages, decent working conditions and safe housing is the least we can do for these hardworking people who perform backbreaking labor to put food on our tables each day.”

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) in response to the ruling said they are extremely disappointed at the changes to the H-2A program. AFBF said the new program will be the most difficult ever for agricultural employers to administer. The group said that it also comes at a critical time of economic uncertainty and undoes a number of improvements implemented by the department only a year ago.

“This final H-2A rule will only compound existing labor shortages. It is not the program needed by America’s farmers and ranchers. By finalizing this rule the administration has failed U.S. agricultural employers. Its claims of needed worker protections as justification for the new rule are unfounded and an affront to America’s farmers and ranchers,” AFBF said. “The ball is now in the court of the Congress to do what the administration has failed to do: to create a meaningful guest worker program that works fairly and honorably for employers and employees alike.”