Mead asks Labor Dept. to reconsider H-2A sheepherder rule

(Press release) — Governor Matt Mead is asking the Department of Labor to withdraw and reconsider a proposed rule governing the federal H-2A program used by the Wyoming sheep and livestock industry to hire seasonal and temporary workers. Specifically, the proposed rule would establish dramatic increases in wages, which includes increases to the amounts required for housing.

Governor Mead has been contacted by Wyoming sheep ranchers and others in the state’s agriculture industries with concerns about the impact the rule would have on their businesses.

A copy of Governor Mead’s comment letter regarding the proposed rule is attached.

For more on the H-2A visa rule, read these related WyoFile columns:

Sheep ranchers worry new labor rules could hurt herding, by Kelsey Dayton | APRIL 28, 2015

Wyoming sheep industry tries to weather one more storm, by Kerry Drake | JUNE 2, 2015

Gov. Mead’s letter to Department of Labor

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