US Department of Labor announces proposed new rule to strengthen protections for temporary farm workers

Summary:

The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed a new rule to strengthen protections for farm workers in the H-2A program, aiming to prevent labor abuses and ensure fair treatment. The proposed rule adds new protections for worker self-advocacy, better protects workers against retaliation, enhances transparency in foreign labor recruitment, and improves enforcement. Key changes include:

Expanding anti-retaliation protections and allowing workers to invite labor organizations to employer-provided housing
Clarifying when a termination is "for cause"" and establishing six conditions for termination
Requiring employers to provide transparency in labor recruitment and negotiations
Increasing wages predictability by making new wage rates applicable immediately
Improving transportation safety by requiring seatbelts for H-2A workers
Enhancing enforcement through streamlined deadlines and prohibiting passport confiscation

The public comment period is open for 60 days