Federal Register #2026-15673

Notice of Adverse Effect Wage Rate Updates for H-2A Agricultural Workers in Non-Range Occupations

This notice from the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) announces updates to the Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWR) for H-2A agricultural workers in non-range occupations. - Government Buyer: - Department of Labor (DOL) - Employment and Training Administration (ETA) - OEMs and Vendors: - Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (as the source of wage data) - Products/Services Requested: - No products, part numbers, or purchase quantities are specified - The notice pertains to wage rate updates, not procurement of goods or services - Unique or Notable Requirements: - AEWRs are determined using BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey data - Rates apply to all U.S. states and territories for H-2A non-range agricultural occupations - Methodology includes skill-based wage categories and housing adjustments - AEWRs are used for labor certification and bond calculations for H-2A Labor Contractors - No procurement action, contract, or purchase is involved in this notice

Description

The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) of the Department of Labor (DOL) is issuing a notice to update the Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWR) for temporary or seasonal nonimmigrant foreign workers (H-2A workers) employed in agricultural labor or services in non-range occupations. These AEWRs represent the minimum wages that must be offered, advertised, and paid to H-2A workers and corresponding U.S. workers to ensure fair wages and working conditions. The update uses wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey and applies to all U.S. states and territories. The updated rates are effective August 3, 2026, except for certain entities and states subject to a court order, where the rates are effective August 17, 2026.

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