H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rates for 2013 Published

The U.S. Department of Labor has published a notice in the Federal Register announcing the 2013 Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWRs) for agriculture employers utilizing the H-2A program.  The AEWRs are the minimum hourly wage rates the Department has determined must be offered and paid by employers to H-2A workers and workers in corresponding employment for a particular agricultural job and area so that the wages of similarly employed U.S. workers will not be adversely affected. 

The 2013 AEWR for Arizona is $9.73/hour, down from $9.94/hour. California’s AEWR will increase to $10.74/hour, up from $10.24/hour. The 2013 AEWR and Prevailing Wage rates are effective today, January 8th.  To read the Federal Register notice please click here. 

A separate notice will be issued to announce the 2013 allowable meal charges and maximum travel subsistence reimbursement a worker can claim.  Employers should continue to use the current meal charges and maximum travel subsistence until that notice is issued. 

For more information, contact Jason Resnick at (949) 885-2253.