ag labor

Ag Organizations across the country are seeking a nationwide injunction against a new U.S. Department of Labor rule, allowing foreign farmworkers to form unions, as well as other considerable changes to the H-2A program.  A federal judge in Georgia has already blocked the DOL rule, “Improving Farmworker Protections” in 17 states, including Idaho.  In mid-September, a...

Last month, WAFLA announced it was changing it’s name, but the mission of the organization was going to stay the same.  Formerly known as the Washington Farm Labor Association, WAFLA now will stand for the Worker and Farmer Labor Association.  Organization ...

A federal judge blocked the U.S. Labor Department from enforcing a rule in 17 states that would prevent agricultural employers from retaliating against migrant workers with H-2A visas for joining labor unions.  Employers also couldn’t retaliate for workers organizing against wage theft, trafficking, and other abuses.   Courth...

In the world of agriculture there are plenty of hurdles that slow down the process of getting food to the farm to the table. In recent years, labor has come to the top of that list.

The House of Representatives have reintroduced the Farm Workforce Modernization Act

Ask anyone in the tree fruit, berry or vegetable industries, they’ll tell you all about the high labor costs associated with their labor-intensive commodities.  A recent USDA study looked at those costs and what can be done to help producers with their bottom line.   “There...

After clearing the House twice, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act stalled in the Senate during the 117th Congress, and failed to get a vote.  Now that a new Congress has been seated, what does that mean for the legislation.  Dan Newhouse, chair of the Western Caucus and one of the key sponsors of the bill says his office is working on a strategy to reintroduce legislation.   "What's it goi

To help those looking to utilize the H-2A program this year, WAFLA will host its H-2A Summit in Wenatchee, WA, Thursday January 12th.  WAFLA CEO Enrique Gastelum said while many in the tree fruit industry are trying to attend trade shows, or enjoy so much deserved rest and relaxation this time of year, now is when you want to think about the needs for 2023.   “...

We’re roughly three weeks away from a new Congress being sworn in.  But before that happens, Dan Newhouse is hopeful the current Congress will take up the issue of Ag labor.  The Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which has cleared the U.S. House twice, currently...

The Farm Workforce Modernization Act awaits Senate action during the lame-duck session, and many in the farming community say this legislation is the closest meaningful immigration reform has come to the finish line in years.  Research by David Bier, Cato Institute associate director of immigration studies, said s farmers would save billions over the next few years if the Senate passes the legisla