DOL proposes new rule enhancing farmworker protections

The U.S. Labor Department proposed a new rule Tuesday designed to better protect temporary farmworkers.

The new rule is designed to enhance protections and prevent abuses against all agriculture workers nationwide.

The rule would offer greater protections against employer retaliation, enhance Occupational Safety and Health Administration enforcement efforts, make foreign labor recruitment more transparent and offer new protections concerning workers who self-advocate for things like better working conditions.

The proposal would also add a seatbelt requirement for vehicles transporting farmworkers long distances to work sites.

The proposed rule will be open for public comment for 60 days.