Nov 25, 2024

Court grants partial injunction against agricultural labor rule

A U.S. District Court in Kentucky has issued a partial injunction blocking key provisions of a U.S. Department of Labor rule aimed at improving protections for temporary agricultural workers.

The National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) and other agricultural groups filed the lawsuit to halt the rule, which they argue would harm farmers and ranchers. The court agreed with the plaintiffs, blocking measures such as collective bargaining rights, mandatory piece-rate pay and public access to employer property.

“We are grateful that the Court understood the damaging effects this Rule would have on farms and ranches,” said Michael Marsh, NCAE president and CEO. “The Rule unlawfully violates the rights of farmers and ranchers.”

The injunction follows a similar decision in August by a Georgia court that blocked the rule in several states. However, the rule remains in effect for operations in some states, including Alaska.

The NCAE and its allies are hopeful that the Department of Labor will reconsider the rule’s implementation following the court’s decision.