Judge blocks most of Trump-era overhaul of farmworker minimum wage calculations

In a Wednesday decision, U.S. District Judge Kirk Sherriff struck down most of the Trump administration’s rewrite of farmworker wage regulations, declaring the Labor Department’s new formula unlawful. The judge found three of four contested components arbitrary, noting the agency did not adequately explain why it could skip the usual notice-and-comment procedure. While the emergency switch to a different government wage survey was upheld, the rule’s tiered wage structure—setting the lower tier at the 17th percentile—and a housing deduction that could reduce pay were rejected.

Sherriff also dismissed a classification rule that could force lower pay for certain tasks. The ruling sends the Labor Department back to the drawing board to create a compliant methodology, with parties given two weeks to report on initial steps. The court left open the possibility of back pay for workers once new rates are established. United Farm Workers and the Labor Department did not immediately comment.