The Louisiana Forestry Association, Inc., et al. v. Solis, et al.

NCLC urged the court to enjoin the Department of Labor (DOL) from enforcing a new rule that would radically alter the formula for determining wages employers must pay temporary alien workers under the H-2B visa program. In its amicus brief, NCLC argues that DOL’s regulations are invalid because Congress did not authorize DOL to issue new wage methodologies that are retroactively applied, regardless of a worker’s experience, education, or other relevant factors. Furthermore, even if Congress had given the Secretary of Labor authority to promulgate the new wage methodology rule, there is clearly no statutory basis for DOL to apply its new methodology to workers employed under H-2B visas approved by DHS prior to the effective date of the new rule. Finally, the new methodology adopted by DOL is inconsistent with the Immigration and Nationality Act, which requires that a tiered system be used for calculating wages. By using the highest wage rate available as a single-level “prevailing rate,” the DOL would be imposing a one-size-fits-all wage structure that would cost jobs and harm businesses.

The court denied the plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction without prejudice with the right to refile in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania 12/13/2011.

Amicus brief filed 9/22/11. On 9/22/11, DOL announced a 60-day postponement of the Final Rule’s effective date until November 30, 2011.  Government motion in opposition to Chamber amicus brief filed 10/3/11. Case dismissed without prejudice 12/13/2011.