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Members press DOL on H‑2A adverse effect wage rate and seasonal labor needs

3677559 · May 27, 2025

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Summary

Representatives from agricultural states questioned the Department of Labor about sharply rising adverse effect wage rates for H‑2A guest workers and asked whether DOL will review determinations and modernize the program to meet seasonal employer needs; the secretary said DOL is reviewing rules and will work with USDA and the Department of State.

Members representing farming and ranching districts pressed Secretary Laurie Chavez de Reamer about the H‑2A guest worker program and the adverse effect wage rate (AEWR), which is applied annually to wages for H‑2A agricultural workers.

Why it matters: Several members said the national adverse effect wage rate has more than doubled over two decades and warned that rising rates, combined with other costs and rules, could make seasonal agricultural labor unaffordable for some employers and raise consumer prices.

What the secretary said: Chavez de Reamer said the department is reviewing H‑2A rulemaking and will coordinate with the Departments of Homeland Security and State and with USDA on market testing and cap issues. She said the department recognizes regional variation and plans to work with state partners and stakeholders, including farm employers, on potential modernizations and enforcement to ensure that American workers are not displaced while addressing seasonal labor needs.

Member requests and detail: Members asked whether DOL would freeze AEWR rates, change the market‑test process, or otherwise modernize program compliance to help employers with seasonal demands; the secretary gave a broad commitment to work with members, states and USDA to consider reforms and to ensure enforcement and compliance operate with regional flexibility.

Ending: The secretary committed to follow up with members and stakeholders on H‑2A reforms and on details of AEWR methodology as the department reviews relevant rulemaking and regulatory processes.