AHC WASHINGTON UPDATE — JUNE 14, 2012 — The Senate Appropriations Committee has adopted an amendment offered by Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) to the FY 2013 Labor/HHS/Education appropriations bill that would prohibited the Department of Labor (DOL) from implementing a new H-2B temporary guest worker program rule as well as a new H-2B wage rule. These rules, if they were to go into effect, would make significant changes to the way the H-2B program operates for all employers including those in the horse industry.

The new H-2B rule was originally set to go into effect on April 23, 2012, but on April 26 a judge on the U.S. District Court in Florida issued a temporary injunction blocking the rule for 74 days.

The H-2B program is used by members of the horse industry, principally horse trainers and owners who cannot find American workers to fill semi-skilled jobs at racetracks, horse shows, fairs and in similar non-agricultural activities.

The AHC opposes implementation of both new H-2B rules. The AHC believes the new rules will make the H-2B program even more costly and burdensome for employers who are forced to use the program. More information on the final H-2B rule and information on the wage rule can be found on the AHC website.

The bill must now be approved by the full Senate.

If you have any questions please contact the AHC.