Labor Dept. Dumps Red Tape to Boost Farmworker Safeguards

2025-12315 — Recission of Final Rule: Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States

The Department of Labor is rolling back a new rule that made it harder and more expensive for farmers to hire temporary foreign workers under the H-2A program. This change means fewer strict rules and less paperwork for employers, helping them keep their farms running smoothly without extra costs or delays. The rollback starts soon, making it easier for farmers and workers to get back to business as usual.

2026-03962 — Employee or Independent Contractor Status Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, and Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act

The Department of Labor wants to update how we decide if someone is an employee or an independent contractor for three big laws: the Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, and Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act. They’re bringing back a 2021 rule with some tweaks and applying it to all three laws. If you’re a worker or a business, this could change your rights and responsibilities, so get ready to share your thoughts by April 28, 2026!

2025-12316 — Application of the Fair Labor Standards Act to Domestic Service

If you hire home helpers like caregivers or housekeepers, this update matters! The government wants to bring back old rules that let some helpers skip overtime and minimum wage rules, making care more affordable. These changes could start soon, helping families and workers find a fair balance without extra costs.

2026-06324 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Student Experience Assessment (SEA) of Job Corps Centers

The Department of Labor wants to keep collecting feedback from Job Corps students to make their centers better. They’re asking for your thoughts on this plan by June 1, 2026, to keep paperwork light and easy. This helps ensure students’ voices are heard without wasting time or money.

2026-06270 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Job Corps Health Questionnaire

The Department of Labor wants to keep using the Job Corps Health Questionnaire to learn about applicants’ medical needs. They’re asking for your thoughts on this paperwork by June 1, 2026, aiming to keep things simple and clear without extra hassle. This helps make sure Job Corps can support students’ health while keeping paperwork light and easy.

2026-06268 — TÜV SÜD Product Services GmbH; Voluntary Termination of Recognition as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory

TÜV SÜD Product Services GmbH decided to stop being a nationally recognized testing lab as of March 5, 2026. This means they won’t do official safety testing anymore, but their certifications are moving over to TÜV SÜD America, Inc. If you work with their testing services, expect this change to take effect immediately with no extra costs announced.

Previous: 2025-11845 — Rescission of Affirmative Outreach Requirements for Recipients of WIOA Title I Financial Assistance

The Department of Labor is dropping the rule that forced groups getting WIOA Title I money to do extra outreach to certain people. This change affects anyone receiving these funds and starts as soon as the rule is officially removed. No extra costs or money changes—just less paperwork and more freedom for recipients!

Next: 2025-11849 — Minor Child Definition for Form LM-30 Labor Organization Officer and Employee Report

The government wants to update the definition of 'minor child' on the Form LM-30, which labor union officers and employees use to report information. This change affects anyone filling out the form and aims to make the rules clearer. They’re asking for public feedback before making it official, with no immediate cost impact.