The Department of Labor is changing the way it determines H-2A “adverse effect” wage rates.
It will soon base the number on Bureau of Labor statistics, rather than an annual USDA survey.
As wage rates have increased at a faster pace than other industries, USDA notes this will offer better stability and predictability for farm employers.
USDA had previously cancelled its own survey prompting lawsuits from several labor groups. A judge ruled against the ag department last week, but the new labor rule superseded that decision.