The United States Department of Labor has finalized a rule to protect farmworkers in the nation.
The D.O.L. recently announced a final rule to strengthen the protection over farmworkers in the country, which would address labor abuses experienced by farmworkers under the H-2A program that undermines labor standards for workers in the U.S.
“H-2A workers too frequently face abusive working conditions that undercut all farmworkers in the U.S.,” said Acting Secretary Julie Su. “This rule ensures farmworkers employed through the H-2A program are treated fairly, have a voice in their workplace and are able to perform their work safely. It also promotes employer accountability, benefitting all farmworkers by upholding labor standards. The Biden-Harris administration is committed to being the most pro-worker administration in history, and this rule is a significant milestone in that effort.”
The final rule also includes the following points:
Introducing enhanced safeguards for worker advocacy: The rule enhances workers’ capacity to advocate for their working conditions by broadening the scope of activities shielded by anti-retaliation measures.
Securing employer responsibility: The ultimate regulation revises protocols for terminating employment services for employers who have not complied with the Department of Labor’s standards.
The final rule is effective this coming summer on June 28, 2024.