What Adverse Impact means to ag employers

Adverse Impact in the H-2A program refers to the negative effect that the employment of foreign workers may have on the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers who are similarly employed. The Department of Labor aims to prevent such adverse impacts by ensuring that H-2A workers are paid at least the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), which is designed to protect domestic workers from wage depression. This concept ensures that the hiring of foreign workers does not undermine the labor market for U.S. workers in the agricultural sector. The AEWR acts as a safeguard to maintain fair wage standards and working conditions for all agricultural workers.