Sep 17, 2024

Ag employers labor group sues DOL

The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE), a group that represents agricultural employers, has filed a lawsuit challenging a Department of Labor rule they argue is unconstitutional and harmful to farm and ranch families.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, targets the “Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States” rule.

NCAE claims the rule violates employers’ due process rights and imposes unreasonable duties on farmers. The rule also allows temporary foreign workers to unionize, a right not given to American farmworkers.

Michael Marsh, NCAE president and CEO, criticized the Department’s handling of the rule. “Rather than taking heed of the Judge’s wise words and withdraw the Rule in its entirety, the Department decided to further complicate matters,” he said.

A recent court injunction temporarily blocked the rule in 17 states, but farmers in other states remain subject to its provisions. NCAE hopes the Kentucky court will fully dissolve the rule.

For more information, visit NCAE’s website.