Hearings scheduled for foreign ag workers program

U.S. Dept. of Labor has scheduled 3 hearings to discuss changes to the H-2A program regulations. The program allows U.S. ag employers to hire foreign workers on a temporary basis. The new regulations reverse Bush administration rules issued in January 2009.
Society of American Florists said the 1-day briefing meetings will update participants and stakeholders on the details of the new regulations. The meetings are scheduled for:
Feb. 23, 2010, in San Diego, Calif.
Feb. 25, 2010, in Dallas, Texas
March 2, 2010, in Raleigh, N.C.
Based on an initial analysis of the changes, SAF indicated the new regulations will likely increase worker wages and protection mandates and will require employers to make a greater effort to fill jobs with domestic workers.
SAF also said the AgJOBS bill introduced in both the House and Senate would overhaul the entire H-2A program, which would overturn the regulations including the latest changes. Until Congress deals with immigration reform, the current regulations will remain in effect.