Department of Labor, et al., Petitioners v. Sun Valley Orchards, LLC

The Supreme Court will review whether the Department of Labor can decide its own cases seeking money from employers accused of violating employment terms for H-2A workers and domestic workers in matching jobs. The case also asks whether federal law, 8 U.S.C. §1188(g)(2), gives the agency that power.

The Court has agreed to hear the case, but oral argument has not been scheduled yet. The dispute centers on whether Article III bars this kind of agency process and whether Section 1188(g)(2) authorizes it.

The answer could affect farms and other employers that use the H-2A program, along with workers seeking money for alleged job-term violations. For example, it could determine whether those claims are handled inside the Labor Department or must go to federal court.

The Court will decide whether the Labor Department can itself decide money claims against H-2A employers. It will also decide whether federal law authorizes that process.

Employers using the H-2A program, H-2A workers, and domestic workers in matching jobs could be affected. The answer may shape where money disputes are decided.

Oral argument has not been scheduled yet. Watch for a scheduling order or another move from the Court.