WE WON: A FEDERAL COURT RULED THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S FARM WORKER WAGE CUTS UNLAWFUL

A federal court has ruled that the Trump administration’s rule cutting wages for U.S. farm workers and H-2A workers is unlawful.

On October 2, 2025, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued a rule that dramatically lowered farm worker wages nationwide. Depending on the state, farm workers saw wage cuts of approximately $3 to $7 per hour. The Department of Labor estimated that the rule would transfer $2.46 billion from workers to employers each year.

We fought back — and won.

The court found that key parts of the rule violated federal law and ordered DOL to promptly issue a new rule with new wages that are lawful.

But the effects of this victory will not happen overnight. The court did not immediately eliminate the current wage rates while DOL develops its new rule. Until DOL issues the new rates required by the court, workers may continue to see the lower rates in their paychecks.

The court also preserved the possibility of backpay. Employers must be notified that they may be required to make wage-adjustment payments if the new wage rates are higher than what workers are paid while the DOL develops its new rule.

The Trump administration’s unlawful rule dramatically cut farm worker wages across the country. Here is a sample of the wage cuts workers experienced under the rule:

California: Wages fell from $19.97 to $16.90 an hour — a 15% cut for both H-2A workers and U.S. farm workers working alongside them.
Oregon: Wages fell from $19.82 to $15.13 an hour* for U.S. farm workers working alongside H-2A workers — a 24% cut — and to $14.55 an hour* for H-2A workers — a 27% cut.
Michigan: Wages fell from $18.15 to $14.45 an hour for U.S. farm workers working alongside H-2A workers — a 20% cut — and to $13.73 an hour for H-2A workers — a 24% cut.
Georgia: Wages fell from $16.08 to $12.57 an hour for U.S. farm workers working alongside H-2A workers — a 22% cut — and to $10.80 an hour for H-2A workers — a 33% cut.
New York: Wages fell from $18.83 to $16.17 an hour* for U.S. farm workers working alongside H-2A workers — a 14% cut — and to $16.00 an hour* for H-2A workers — a 15% cut.
Washington: Wages fell from $19.82 to $17.13 an hour — a 14% cut for both H-2A workers and U.S. farm workers working alongside them.

*Varies for urban and other areas.

Workers must still be paid the highest applicable wage, including the state minimum wage, AEWR, prevailing wage, or collective bargaining wage.

WHO BENEFITED FROM THESE WAGE CUTS? BIG AG

The Trump administration’s rule was a handout to powerful agricultural corporations at the direct expense of the workers who harvest, pack and deliver America’s food.These wage cuts drove down pay and threatened to displace U.S. workers and undermine labor standards nationwide. When wages are pushed down in one industry, the pressure can spread throughout the labor market.

CUTTING WAGES WHILE EXPANDING THE H-2A PROGRAM IS A RECIPE FOR EXPLOITATION

By expanding the H-2A guestworker program while gutting wage protections, the Trump administration put both U.S. and migrant workers at risk while allowing corporations to profit from lower wages.

The court’s decision is an important victory, but the fight to protect farm worker wages is not over. Strong wage protections remain critical as the H-2A program continues to grow. Expanding the program without those protections risks driving down wages, displacing U.S. workers, and leaving migrant workers more vulnerable to exploitation.Rural communities feel the consequences too, through lower wages and fewer opportunities.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

DOL must now promptly develop a new methodology for calculating AEWRs and publish new wage rates consistent with the court’s decision.

The court will continue overseeing the case, and DOL must report back on the steps it is taking and its timeline for developing the new methodology.

Until those new rates are issued, the current wage rates remain temporarily in place, meaning workers may continue receiving the lower wages established under the Trump administration’s rule.

The court has also preserved the possibility of backpay. DOL must notify employers that they may be required to make wage-adjustment payments if workers receive less than the new applicable wage rates ultimately established. The court will determine whether backpay is required after the new rates are issued.

Farm workers should keep their pay stubs and records of their hours and wages. We will continue providing updates as DOL develops the new rates and as the court determines what additional relief workers may receive.