U.S. Department of Labor Files Motion for Temporary Restraining Order And Preliminary Injunction against Agriculture Employer

KENNET, MO – The U.S. Department of Labor has filed a complaint and a motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri to enjoin defendant Marin J. Corp. from violating its obligations concerning its employment of H-2A temporary agriculture workers under the H-2A visa program.

The Department’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) investigators found the employer violated the labor provisions of the H-2A visa program when it provided unsanitary and unsafe housing and working conditions to employees, and failed to pay them the wages required by their work contracts.

“There are very specific guidelines under the H-2A program that require employers to ensure workers have appropriate, clean and safe housing and working conditions, and that they are paid the wages they are legally due,” said Wage and Hour Regional Administrator Ruben Rosalez, in Chicago. “We encourage all employers to make use of the many tools we offer to ensure that they understand their responsibilities, and how to avoid violations.”

For more information about agricultural employment and other laws enforced by WHD, contact the Division’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Information is also available at https://www.dol.gov/whd including a search tool to use if you think you may be owed back wages collected by WHD.