Rep. Aderholt Questions Labor Secretary on H2A Wages and Apprenticeship Programs

Concerns Over H2A Labor Rates

• ⚠️ Family farms and specialty crop growers are at risk of closing due to increasingly unaffordable H2A labor rates under the previous administration.
• 🤝 The Secretary commits to working with Congress to understand the complexities of H2A programs and address farmer concerns, acknowledging that a one-size-fits-all approach is not effective.
• ⚖️ The Secretary notes that current H2A wage rate rules are subject to litigation, which limits her ability to comment directly on specific aspects.

Expanding Apprenticeship Programs

• 🎯 The Department of Labor is focused on fulfilling President's executive order goal of 1 million apprentices nationwide, with current numbers ranging between 680,000 to 700,000.
• 🛠️ Apprenticeship programs are seen as crucial for employers facing challenges in finding well-qualified workers, helping them build a skilled labor supply.
• 🌐 The Department of Labor is committed to working with every industry, not just traditional trades, to expand apprenticeship programs and develop the future workforce.

Federal Contracting and Religious Exemptions

• 🏛️ The hearing touched upon the religious exemption for organizations participating as federal contractors, which allowed them to operate according to their religious beliefs.
• ❓ The Secretary indicated a willingness to work with the Congressman's office to provide answers regarding the Department of Labor's steps to ensure fair treatment for religious organizations in the federal contracting process, as this area is also under litigation.