Search Results for keywords:"Adverse Effect Wage Rate"

The Department of Labor has announced the ratification of a rule from 2010 regarding the employment of temporary agricultural workers, also known as H-2A workers, in the United States. This rule was initially developed to improve application procedures, protect workers, and ensure program integrity. There were concerns raised in court about the rule's approval process, but recent actions confirmed its validity, ensuring that U.S. workers' wages and working conditions are not negatively impacted. This ratification serves to clear any doubts and confirm the legal standing of the rule.

The Employment and Training Administration of the Department of Labor has announced updates to the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for temporary nonimmigrant foreign workers (H-2A workers) involved in herding or livestock production on the range. AEWRs are the minimum wages that must be offered to ensure that U.S. workers in similar jobs are not negatively impacted. Starting January 1, 2025, employers must pay H-2A workers at least $2,058.31 per month, based on a 3.8% increase reflected by the Employment Cost Index from September 2023 to September 2024. This notice ensures that wage levels keep up with inflation and maintain fair compensation for these workers.

The Department of Labor has confirmed and ratified a rule that was originally published on October 16, 2015, concerning the temporary employment of H-2A foreign workers in the herding and production of livestock on U.S. ranges. This ratification is being issued to eliminate any uncertainty about the rule's legality and ensure it complies with the Secretary of Labor's responsibility to protect U.S. workers' job opportunities and wages. The rule sets standards for hiring foreign labor for agricultural tasks in remote areas where workers must be available for long periods. Despite this confirmation, the validity of the rule can still be legally challenged.