Labor

Training programs help comply with new Worker Protection Standards

Beginning Jan. 2, 2017, the Federal Worker Protection Standards (WPS) revisions took effect. These changes are designed to provide stronger protections for the nation’s two million agricultural workers and their families. Growers will be responsible... more »

Comment period open for Ethical Charter on labor practices

The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) and United Fresh Produce Association are seeking public input on a draft Ethical Charter containing guiding principles and values intended to set a framework for responsible labor practices throughout the... more »

DOL updates minimum wage rates for H-2A workers

The Employment and Training Administration of the Department of Labor has announced the 2017 Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWRs) for the employment of temporary or seasonal nonimmigrant foreign workers (H-2A workers) to perform agricultural labor or... more »

Wafla receives $3 million grant for housing project

The Washington State Department of Commerce’s Housing Finance Unit today awarded $26 million in loans and grants from the state’s Housing Trust Fund, $2.7 million from the Federal HOME program, and $2.9 from the National... more »

EPA publishes compliance manual for Worker Protection Standard

EPA in conjunction with the Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative (PERC) Exit is making available a guide to help users of agricultural pesticides comply with the requirements of the 2015 revised federal Worker Protection Standard. The manual... more »

Court stops FLSA overtime regulations

A Texas federal court granted a nationwide emergency injunction prohibiting the implementation of the final Fair Labor Standards Act regulations that essentially doubled the current minimum annual salary level for exemption from $23,660 to $47,476... more »

H-2A wage rates for 2017 projected

The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has released core data that will be used to calculate the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for 2017. The AEWR in Washington and Oregon will likely rise 5.44 percent... more »

Feds publish new I-9 employment form

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has published a revised version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. By Jan. 22, employers must use only the new version, dated 11/14/2016. Until then, they can continue to... more »