U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville joined a group of fellow Republican senators in a letter to the acting Secretary of Labor, Julie Su, vocalizing their opposition to a proposed Department of Labor rule that would give unions the ability to pressure temporary foreign agriculture workers into becoming members.

“The proposed rule advances unionization on U.S. farms by making H-2A workers vulnerable to pressure,” the senators said in the letter. “It opens these workers up to coerced unionization and deprives workers of an informed choice about whether to unionize.”

The rule, senators say, would enhance benefits for foreign guestworkers by unionizing what is known as the H-2A visa program, while at the same time making it more difficult for farmers to manage their workforce.

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“The new DOL proposal circumvents Congress’ authority to legislate on the unionization of agricultural workers and adds unnecessary obstacles to a complicated visa process,”  the legislators continued. “DOL already dictates wage rates and regulates working conditions for H-2A workers.”

“The new DOL proposal circumvents Congress’ authority to legislate on the unionization of agricultural workers and adds unnecessary obstacles to a complicated visa process,” stated the senators. “DOL already dictates wage rates and regulates working conditions for H-2A workers. This proposed rule is unnecessary and will harm American consumers, American agriculture, and H-2A workers themselves.”

“This proposed rule is unnecessary and will harm American consumers, American agriculture, and H-2A workers themselves.”

Tuberville first submitted a comment letter on the issue in November, stating his clear opposition to the possible H-2A regulation change.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.