Category: Labor
Federal judge rules against H-2A wage rate freeze
The H-2A guest worker Adverse Effect Wage Rate was scheduled to freeze for two years starting in 2021, but that was overruled by a federal judge.
Nominations sought for agriculture safety awards
The Agricultural Safety and Health Council of America (ASHCA) seeks nominations for 10 categories of safety awards to be presented during the North American Agricultural Safety Summit.
Agriculture labor group sues DOL over Adverse Effect Wage Rate freeze
The nation’s largest agricultural union, United Farm Workers, is suing the Department of Labor for imposing a two-year wage freeze on farm laborers.
Idaho grower-shipper cited for labor violations
Lance Funk Farms and Great Rift Transportation, both owned by the same entity, will have to pay $68,000 in back wages and $6,500 in penalties.
H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rate to be frozen through 2022
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced Nov. 2 a final rule updating the methodology for determining the annual Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWR) in the H-2A agricultural visa program.
USDA praises labor department’s new H-2A wage rule
DOL’s final rule updates the methodology for determining the annual Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWRs) in the H-2A visa program.
Agriculture worker coalition urges for more COVID protection
The Agriculture Workforce Coalition sent a letter to the White House Coronavirus Task Force calling for the federal government to take additional steps.
Mexican produce dumping concerns to be addressed
The U.S. Trade Representative, Department of Commerce and USDA released a report detailing the Trump Administration’s plan to address concerns over Mexican exports of seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables to the U.S.
USDA-NIFA to establish seven artificial intelligence institutes
The artificial intelligence (AI) institutes are being created to help further boost America’s workforce and transform the future of American agriculture.
Court upholds Michigan order requiring COVID testing of farm workers
The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan has upheld an emergency order that requires COVID testing for migrant or seasonal farm workers.
Mobile sanitation station introduced by Birko
Birko’s Mobile Mister was developed to help facilities overcome the challenges of more frequent sanitation during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Michigan farmers may legally challenge COVID employee testing order
An Emergency Order mandating COVID-19 testing by farm employers with 20 or more farmworkers has not been well-received — by employees or their employers.
Ag employers group petitions DOL on H-2A wage rates
The National Council of Agricultural Employers has asked the labor department to amend the regulatory method on adverse effects of the H-2A agricultural worker program.
Michigan requires COVID testing for agriculture, processing workers
The State of Michigan issued an Emergency Order Aug. 3 that requires COVID-19 testing for all agriculture and processing workers.
Labor recruitment platform for fresh produce launched
The Stronger Together U.S. Responsible Recruitment Program has launched an online tool to support U.S. fresh produce farm labor contractors, labor recruiters and growers.
SaniDate 5.0 now approved to kill human coronavirus
SaniDate 5.0 is a disinfectant that kills the human coronavirus on hard, non-porous surfaces, making it a valuable resource for public health precautions.