Collaborative efforts are underway that seek to address some of the short and long-term labor challenges in farming. Chief Innovation Officer for UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gabe Youtsey, said …
Preliminary Injunction Against DOL Rule Allowing H-2A Workers to Unionize
A federal court in Georgia has temporarily blocked the Department of Labor (DOL) from enforcing a new regulation that would allow H-2A visa farmworkers to unionize. The preliminary injunction, requested …
Another Increase to California’s Minimum Wage is On the Way
California’s minimum wage is set to increase once again starting January 1, 2025. The increase applies to all employers, regardless of size. The increase is based on inflation, specifically a …
Injunction Pauses Unionization Efforts Amidst Constitutionality Questions
A recent court decision has granted Wonderful Nurseries a preliminary injunction to stop the bargaining process with the United Farm Workers (UFW) union, raising significant constitutional concerns about California’s “Card …
Labor Bill Passes Appropriations
There was strong debate at the House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, as the full committee marked up the bill for fiscal year 2025 funding for the Departments of Labor, Health …
Payroll Costs for California Farmers Increased 244 Percent in 20 Years
Total payroll costs for California farmers have increased dramatically in 20 years. Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension in the Department of Ag and Resource Economics at UC Berkeley, Ali Hill …
Governor Signs Private Attorneys General Act Reform
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 92 and Assembly Bill 2288 to reform the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). These reforms aim to help workers get fair compensation while …
PAGA Reform Agreement Reached
After months of discussions among California’s government officials, labor advocates, and businesses, an agreement has been reached to reform the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). The PAGA reform aims to …
New Labor Rule Developed in ‘Bad Faith and Should Be Immediately Withdrawn’
The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) has expressed significant disappointment with the new 600-page regulation from the Department of Labor (DOL). In a scathing response to the rule, Council …
California Card Check Law Moving to Other States
Experts say a California farm labor union law is moving into areas like Michigan and New York and could soon be in other states. It’s called the California Ag Labor …
Farmers Buried by New Labor Rules
The U.S. Department of Labor released yet another rule that mires farm families in excessive compliance costs while disregarding privacy concerns for farmers and their employees. With this addition, DOL …
Farm Bureau Highlights ‘Tsunami of New Rules’ from Department of Labor
The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued a final rule aimed at strengthening protections for temporary ag workers by making several changes to the H-2A program. DOL has noted the …
Concerns Raised Over UFW Use of FFWR Grant Funds
The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) has expressed frustration over allegations of misuse of USDA’s Farm and Food Worker Relief (FFWR) Grant Program. The program is meant to provide …
House Agriculture Committee Offers Farm Labor Solution
The House Agriculture Committee laid out a roadmap to relieve labor shortages that have seriously impacted America’s farmers and ranchers. The Agriculture Labor Working Group (ALWG) released its final report …