The recent rule changes by the U.S. Department of Labor regarding pay rates for temporary seasonal foreign workers in the H-2A visa program have caused concerns among North Dakota farmers. These changes, if not reversed, could lead to significant increases in labor costs for farmers like those in Dunn County.
Farmers in Dunn County rely on South African H-2A visa workers for spring-autumn staff. Revised rules could significantly impact their operations, as truck driving tasks may be reclassified as specialized drivers, potentially increasing wages from $17 per hour to $27 per hour for the entire season.
The wage rate adjustments introduced by the Department of Labor in December have faced opposition from farmers, as they significantly impact their labor costs. The situation becomes more challenging as North Dakota farmers increasingly depend on seasonal foreign workers. The number of applications and the total count of H-2A visa workers in the state have risen steadily over the past three years.
The H-2A program, designed to assist farmers with their workforce needs, has unintentionally caused a lack of housing in local communities. Farmers are obligated to provide housing for H-2A workers, leading to a scarcity of available accommodations in the area.
The impacts of these changes are being felt across North Dakota, prompting farmers to reevaluate the viability of the H-2A program and assess alternative approaches to manage their workforce needs.
As farmers voice their concerns, it remains to be seen whether adjustments will be made to reduce the potential negative consequences of the revised H-2A visa program rules and ensure a sustainable agricultural workforce in North Dakota.
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Categories: North Dakota, Business