Wage rates set for H-2A program
The Department of Labor has set wage 2018 rates for foreign workers in the H-2A guest agricultural worker program.
The Federal Register notice published the 2018 Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWRs), applicable to guest agricultural workers in the H-2A program.
According to the notice, adverse effect wage rates are the minimum wage rates the agency has determined must be paid by employers to H-2A workers so that wages and working conditions of similar U.S. workers won’t be hurt.
In an analysis of the data, Western Growers reported the adverse effect wage rates in California increased from $12.57 per hour in 2017 to $13.18 in 2018, an increase of 4.85%. The wage rates are effective Jan. 4.
Adverse Effect Wage Rates for 2018 for select states:
- Arizona, $10.46;
- California, $13.18;
- Florida, $11.29;
- Georgia, $10.95;
- Idaho, $11.63;
- Michigan, $13.06;
- New Jersey, $12.05;
- New York, $12.83;
- North Carolina, $11.46;
- Pennsylvania, $12.05;
- Texas, $11.87; and
- Washington, $14.12.
