Agricultural Employer Ordered to Pay Over $427,000 for H-2A Violations Following DOL Investigation
WASHINGTON D.C. – August 22, 2025 – A significant federal court ruling has mandated a major agricultural employer to pay more than $427,000 in back wages and penalties, stemming from violations of the H-2A temporary agricultural workers program. The U.S. Department of Labor announced the outcome of an investigation that uncovered serious compliance failures by the employer.
The investigation, conducted by the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD), revealed that the employer failed to adhere to key provisions of the H-2A program. This program is designed to allow employers to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill temporary agricultural jobs when U.S. workers are not readily available. Critical to the program’s integrity are requirements ensuring fair treatment and compensation for both U.S. and foreign workers.
Among the violations identified were failures to provide the promised wages and benefits to H-2A workers. The H-2A program establishes specific wage standards, housing requirements, and other protections to safeguard the welfare of the participating workforce. The employer’s non-compliance in these areas prompted the Department of Labor to pursue legal action to recover the owed wages and enforce regulatory standards.
The substantial financial penalty includes a significant amount of back wages owed to the affected workers, ensuring they receive the compensation they were legally entitled to under the H-2A program. In addition to back wages, the court also ordered the imposition of penalties. These penalties serve as a crucial deterrent against future violations and underscore the importance of employers diligently adhering to labor laws.
This ruling highlights the Department of Labor’s ongoing commitment to protecting the rights of agricultural workers, both domestic and foreign. The WHD plays a vital role in ensuring that employers who utilize temporary foreign labor meet their obligations and provide safe, fair working conditions.
The Department of Labor encourages all employers participating in the H-2A program, or considering participation, to thoroughly familiarize themselves with the program’s regulations and to prioritize compliance. Accurate record-keeping and a commitment to worker well-being are essential for the successful and ethical operation of the H-2A visa program. This enforcement action serves as a reminder of the serious consequences for those who fail to meet these critical responsibilities.
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DOL News Releases and Briefs published ‘Federal court orders major agricultural employer to pay $427K in wages, penalties for H-2A violations uncovered by Labor Department investigation’ at 2025-08-22 12:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.