Case: United Farmworkers v. Department of Labor

1:25-cv-01614 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California

Filed Date: Nov. 21, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

The United Farm Workers union, UFW Foundation, and numerous individual farmworkers filed this lawsuit on November 21, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California against the Department of Labor and its officials. The complaint challenges an interim final rule issued by DOL on October 2, 2025, that fundamentally altered how Adverse Effect Wage Rates are calculated under the H-2A foreign guestworker program. Plaintiffs allege the IFR drastically cuts the minimum wages …

The United Farm Workers union, UFW Foundation, and numerous individual farmworkers filed this lawsuit on November 21, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California against the Department of Labor and its officials. The complaint challenges an interim final rule issued by DOL on October 2, 2025, that fundamentally altered how Adverse Effect Wage Rates are calculated under the H-2A foreign guestworker program. Plaintiffs allege the IFR drastically cuts the minimum wages that employers must pay temporary foreign farmworkers through several mechanisms: (1) a two-tier classification system where most positions fall into "Skill Level I" with wages set at only the 17th percentile; (2) a housing deduction that can reduce wages by up to 30%; (3) reliance on survey data that doesn't cover farm establishments; and (4) a "primary duty" test that depresses wages for complex work. The complaint asserted three causes of action under the Administrative Procedure Act, claiming the rule violates statutory requirements to prevent adverse effects on U.S. worker wages, is arbitrary and capricious, and was improperly issued without required public notice and comment. Plaintiffs sought preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to prevent implementation of the rule, along with an order vacating the regulation and compelling adoption of a lawful wage methodology.

On December 22, 2025, plaintiffs filed a motion for a stay of, and preliminary injunction preventing defendants from implementing or otherwise taking any action to enforce, the Interim Final Rule DOL published in the Federal Register on October 2, 2025.

The court continued a scheduling conference originally set for March 2026 to November 2026.

The case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Maddy Ligon (2/11/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71949211/parties/united-farm-workers-v-united-states-department-of-labor/


Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

1:25-cv-01614

Complaint

United Farmworkers et al. v. Department of Labor et al.

Nov. 21, 2025

Nov. 21, 2025

Complaint
21

1:25-cv-01614

Notice of Motion for Plaintiffs' Motion for a Section 705 Stay and Preliminary Injunction

United Farm Workers v. United States Department of Labor

Dec. 22, 2025

Dec. 22, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71949211/united-farm-workers-v-united-states-department-of-labor/

Last updated March 22, 2026, 4:17 a.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Nov. 21, 2025

COMPLAINT against All Defendants by Margaret DeAnda Magallon, Jose Cruz, UFW Foundation, Jesus Lopez, United Farm Workers, Jane Doe I, Evelyn Medina, Fortino Lopez, Yesenia Contreras Cervantes, Irene Mendoza, Aaron Grimaldo, Carina Martinez, Celeste Whittle, John Doe I, Isabel Rinton Panfilo, Francisco Alvares Flores, Claudia Garcia, Juan Manuel Flores Ayala, Jane Doe II, Cristano Serrano. Attorney Aguilasocho, Edgar I. added. (Aguilasocho, Edgar) (Entered: 11/21/2025)

Clearinghouse
2 Nov. 21, 2025

CIVIL COVER SHEET filed by Yesenia Contreras Cervantes, Jose Cruz, Jane Doe I, John Doe I, Jane Doe II, Francisco Alvares Flores, Juan Manuel Flores Ayala, Claudia Garcia, Aaron Grimaldo, Jesus Lopez, Fortino Lopez, Margaret DeAnda Magallon, Carina Martinez, Evelyn Medina, Irene Mendoza, Isabel Rinton Panfilo, Cristano Serrano, UFW Foundation, United Farm Workers, Celeste Whittle. (Aguilasocho, Edgar) (Entered: 11/21/2025)

RECAP
3 Nov. 21, 2025

SUMMONS ISSUED as to *Lori Frazier Bearden, Lori Chavez-Deremer, United States Department of Labor* with answer to complaint due within *60* days. Attorney *Edgar I. Aguilasocho* *Martinez Aguilasocho Law, Inc.* *1527 19th Street, Ste Unit 332* *Bakersfield, CA 93301*. (Deputy Clerk EF) (Entered: 11/21/2025)

RECAP
4 Nov. 21, 2025

CIVIL NEW CASE DOCUMENTS ISSUED; Initial Scheduling Conference set for 2/24/2026 at 09:30 AM in Bakersfield (CDB) before Magistrate Judge Christopher D. Baker. (Attachments: # 1 CDB Worksheet, # 2 Standing Order, # 3 Consent Form, # 4 VDRP) (Deputy Clerk EF) (Entered: 11/21/2025)

RECAP
Nov. 21, 2025

Receipt

Nov. 21, 2025

RECEIPT number ACAEDC-12616503 for $405.00 fbo United Farm Workers et al. from Edgar I. Aguilasocho. (Deputy Clerk AML)

5 Nov. 26, 2025

PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION and PROPOSED ORDER submitted by United Farm Workers for attorney Kuntal Cholera to appear Pro Hac Vice. (Filing fee $ 300, receipt number ACAEDC-12629039) (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing) (Aguilasocho, Edgar) (Entered: 11/26/2025)

RECAP
6 Nov. 26, 2025

PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION and PROPOSED ORDER submitted by United Farm Workers for attorney Mark E. Andrews-Lee to appear Pro Hac Vice. (Filing fee $ 300, receipt number ACAEDC-12629109) (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing) (Aguilasocho, Edgar) (Entered: 11/26/2025)

RECAP
7 Nov. 26, 2025

PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION and PROPOSED ORDER submitted by United Farm Workers for attorney Christina Coleburn to appear Pro Hac Vice. (Filing fee $ 300, receipt number ACAEDC-12629134) (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing) (Aguilasocho, Edgar) (Entered: 11/26/2025)

RECAP
8 Nov. 26, 2025

PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION and PROPOSED ORDER submitted by United Farm Workers for attorney Lori Johnson to appear Pro Hac Vice. (Filing fee $ 300, receipt number ACAEDC-12629159) (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing) (Aguilasocho, Edgar) (Entered: 11/26/2025)

RECAP
9 Nov. 26, 2025

PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION and PROPOSED ORDER submitted by United Farm Workers for attorney Thomas Plotkin to appear Pro Hac Vice. (Filing fee $ 300, receipt number ACAEDC-12629177) (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing) (Aguilasocho, Edgar) (Entered: 11/26/2025)

RECAP
10 Nov. 26, 2025

PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION and PROPOSED ORDER submitted by United Farm Workers for attorney Rebecca Rosefelt to appear Pro Hac Vice. (Filing fee $ 300, receipt number ACAEDC-12629249) (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing) (Aguilasocho, Edgar) (Entered: 11/26/2025)

RECAP
11 Nov. 26, 2025

PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION and PROPOSED ORDER submitted by United Farm Workers for attorney Lindsay Williams to appear Pro Hac Vice. (Filing fee $ 300, receipt number ACAEDC-12629285) (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing) (Aguilasocho, Edgar) (Entered: 11/26/2025)

RECAP
12 Dec. 1, 2025

CLERK'S NOTICE REASSIGNING CASE (TEXT ONLY). This case has been assigned to Magistrate Judge Sheila K. Oberto. The new case number is: 1:25-cv-1614-KES-SKO. Reassignment as to Referral Role Only. Venue is proper in Fresno, Magistrate Judge Christopher D. Baker no longer assigned. (Deputy Clerk RMG) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

RECAP
13 Dec. 1, 2025

CIVIL NEW CASE DOCUMENTS ISSUED; Initial Scheduling Conference set for 3/19/2026 at 09:30 AM in Courtroom 7 (SKO) before Magistrate Judge Sheila K. Oberto. Initial Scheduling Conference previously set for 2/24/2026 at 09:30 AM in Bakersfield (CDB) before Magistrate Judge Christopher D. Baker, has been VACATED. (Attachments: # 1 Standing Order, # 2 Consent Form, # 3 VDRP) (Deputy Clerk RMG) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

1 Standing Order

View on PACER

2 Consent Form

View on PACER

3 VDRP

View on PACER

RECAP
14 Dec. 1, 2025

ORDER GRANTING 5 Application for Pro Hac Vice signed by Magistrate Judge Christopher D. Baker on 12/01/2025. Added attorney Kuntal V. Cholera, PHV for United Farm Workers. The Pro Hac Vice attorney is directed to request electronic filing access through PACER. (Deputy Clerk JPX) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

RECAP
15 Dec. 1, 2025

ORDER GRANTING 6 Application for Pro Hac Vice signed by Magistrate Judge Christopher D. Baker on 12/01/2025. Added attorney Mark E. Andrews-Lee, PHV for United Farm Workers. The Pro Hac Vice attorney is directed to request electronic filing access through PACER. (Deputy Clerk JPX) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

RECAP
16 Dec. 1, 2025

ORDER GRANTING 7 Application for Pro Hac Vice signed by Magistrate Judge Christopher D. Baker on 12/01/2025. Added attorney Christina Colebum, PHV for United Farm Workers. The Pro Hac Vice attorney is directed to request electronic filing access through PACER. (Deputy Clerk JPX) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

RECAP
17 Dec. 1, 2025

ORDER GRANTING 8 Application for Pro Hac Vice signed by Magistrate Judge Christopher D. Baker on 12/01/2025. Added attorney Lori Johnson, PHV for United Farm Workers. The Pro Hac Vice attorney is directed to request electronic filing access through PACER. (Deputy Clerk JPX) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

RECAP
18 Dec. 1, 2025

ORDER GRANTING 9 Application for Pro Hac Vice signed by Magistrate Judge Christopher D. Baker on 12/01/2025. Added attorney Thomas I. Plotkin, PHV for United Farm Workers. The Pro Hac Vice attorney is directed to request electronic filing access through PACER. (Deputy Clerk JPX) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

RECAP
19 Dec. 1, 2025

ORDER GRANTING 10 Application for Pro Hac Vice signed by Magistrate Judge Christopher D. Baker on 12/01/2025. Added attorney Rebecca Rosefelt, PHV for United Farm Workers. The Pro Hac Vice attorney is directed to request electronic filing access through PACER. (Deputy Clerk JPX) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

RECAP
20 Dec. 1, 2025

ORDER GRANTING 11 Application for Pro Hac Vice signed by Magistrate Judge Christopher D. Baker on 12/01/2025. Added attorney Lindsay Williams, PHV for United Farm Workers. The Pro Hac Vice attorney is directed to request electronic filing access through PACER. (Deputy Clerk JPX) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

RECAP
21 Dec. 22, 2025

MOTION to STAY, MOTION for PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION ( Motion Hearing set for 1/22/2026 at 09:00 AM in Courtroom 6 (KES) before District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff.) by Yesenia Contreras Cervantes, Jose Cruz, Francisco Alvares Flores, Juan Manuel Flores Ayala, Claudia Garcia, Aaron Grimaldo, Jesus Lopez, Fortino Lopez, Margaret DeAnda Magallon, Carina Martinez, Evelyn Medina, Irene Mendoza, Isabel Rinton Panfilo, Cristano Serrano, UFW Foundation, United Farm Workers, Celeste Whittle. Attorney Cholera, Kuntal V. added. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Declaration of T. Romero, # 3 Declaration of A. Grimaldo, # 4 Declaration of J. Cruz, # 5 Declaration of F. Lopez, # 6 Declaration of C. Serrano, # 7 Declaration of C. Garcia, # 8 Declaration of I. Mendoza, # 9 Exhibit 1, # 10 Exhibit 2, # 11 Exhibit 3, # 12 Exhibit 4, # 13 Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Cholera, Kuntal) (Entered: 12/22/2025)

1 Memorandum in Support

View on PACER

2 Declaration of T. Romero

View on PACER

3 Declaration of A. Grimaldo

View on PACER

4 Declaration of J. Cruz

View on PACER

5 Declaration of F. Lopez

View on PACER

6 Declaration of C. Serrano

View on PACER

7 Declaration of C. Garcia

View on PACER

8 Declaration of I. Mendoza

View on PACER

9 Exhibit 1

View on PACER

10 Exhibit 2

View on PACER

11 Exhibit 3

View on PACER

12 Exhibit 4

View on PACER

13 Proposed Order Proposed Order

View on PACER

Clearinghouse
22 Dec. 23, 2025

STIPULATION and PROPOSED ORDER Briefing Schedule for Preliminary Injunction Motion re 21 Motion to Stay,,,, Motion for Preliminary Injunction,,, by Yesenia Contreras Cervantes, Jose Cruz, Francisco Alvares Flores, Juan Manuel Flores Ayala, Claudia Garcia, Aaron Grimaldo, Jesus Lopez, Fortino Lopez, Margaret DeAnda Magallon, Carina Martinez, Evelyn Medina, Irene Mendoza, Isabel Rinton Panfilo, Cristano Serrano, UFW Foundation, United Farm Workers, Celeste Whittle. (Cholera, Kuntal) (Entered: 12/23/2025)

RECAP
23 Dec. 31, 2025

ORDER signed by District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff on 12/30/2025. Based on the parties' stipulation and good cause appearing, the Court HEREBY adopts the following briefing schedule for the plaintiffs' preliminary injunction motion, Doc. 21, in this case: Defendants' Opposition: January 22, 2026. Plaintiffs' Reply: February 5, 2026. Given this revised briefing schedule, the hearing on plaintiffs' motion, currently set for January 22, 2026, is vacated and the motion will be taken under submission upon the filing of plaintiff's reply. The hearing may be reset if the Court determines that oral argument is warranted. (Deputy Clerk CLA) (Entered: 12/31/2025)

RECAP
24 Jan. 21, 2026

NOTICE of APPEARANCE by Alexandra McTague, GOVT on behalf of Lori Frazier Bearden, Lori Chavez-Deremer, United States Department of Labor. Attorney McTague, Alexandra added. (McTague, Alexandra) (Entered: 01/21/2026)

RECAP
25 Jan. 21, 2026

MOTION excess pages for PI opposition brief by Lori Frazier Bearden, Lori Chavez-Deremer, United States Department of Labor. (McTague, Alexandra) (Entered: 01/21/2026)

RECAP
26 Jan. 21, 2026

OPPOSITION by Yesenia Contreras Cervantes, Jose Cruz, Francisco Alvares Flores, Juan Manuel Flores Ayala, Claudia Garcia, Aaron Grimaldo, Jesus Lopez, Fortino Lopez, Margaret DeAnda Magallon, Carina Martinez, Evelyn Medina, Irene Mendoza, Isabel Rinton Panfilo, Cristano Serrano, UFW Foundation, United Farm Workers, Celeste Whittle to 25 Motion for Miscellaneous Relief. (Cholera, Kuntal) (Entered: 01/21/2026)

RECAP
27 Jan. 21, 2026

ORDER GRANTING DEFENDANTS' MOTION TO EXCEED PAGE LIMITATIONS 25 signed by District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff on 1/21/2026. (Deputy Clerk VMG) (Entered: 01/21/2026)

RECAP
28 Jan. 22, 2026

OPPOSITION by Lori Frazier Bearden, Lori Chavez-Deremer, United States Department of Labor to 21 Motion to Stay,,,, Motion for Preliminary Injunction,,,. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(McTague, Alexandra) (Entered: 01/22/2026)

RECAP
29 Jan. 29, 2026

Consent MOTION of the North Carolina Chamber for Leave to File a Brief as Amicus Curiae in Support of Defendants' Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction and 705 Stay, filed by Attorneys for the North Carolina Chamber. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum Amicus Brief)(Malitz, Jeanne) Modified/Corrected based on call from attorney's office on 1/30/2026 (CRM). (Entered: 01/29/2026)

RECAP
30 Jan. 30, 2026

MINUTE ORDER signed by Magistrate Judge Sheila K. Oberto on 1/30/2026: (Text Only Entry) In light of the pending motion(s), the Initial Scheduling Conference currently set for 3/19/2026, is CONTINUED to 11/5/2026, at 9:45 AM, before Magistrate Judge Sheila K. Oberto. The parties SHALL file their joint scheduling report 7 days prior to the conference. (Deputy Clerk WAK) (Entered: 01/30/2026)

RECAP
31 Jan. 30, 2026

MOTION for EXTENSION of TIME to FILE ANSWER by Lori Frazier Bearden, Lori Chavez-Deremer, United States Department of Labor. (McTague, Alexandra) (Entered: 01/30/2026)

RECAP
Jan. 30, 2026

Minute Order AND ~Util - 1 Set/Reset Deadlines and Hearings

32 Feb. 2, 2026

ORDER GRANTING UNOPPOSED MOTION TO EXTEND TIME TO RESPOND TO COMPLAINT. Order signed by Magistrate Judge Sheila K. Oberto on 2/2/2026. (Deputy Clerk WAK) (Entered: 02/02/2026)

RECAP
33 Feb. 5, 2026

MOTION Leave to file Amicus Curiae by Amicus California Farm Bureau Federation,, National Council of Agricultural Employers. Attorney Hause-Schultz, Rebecca A. added. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum ISO Defendants' Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction and 705 Sta)(Hause-Schultz, Rebecca) (Entered: 02/05/2026)

RECAP
34 Feb. 5, 2026

REPLY by Yesenia Contreras Cervantes, Jose Cruz, Francisco Alvares Flores, Juan Manuel Flores Ayala, Claudia Garcia, Aaron Grimaldo, Jesus Lopez, Fortino Lopez, Margaret DeAnda Magallon, Carina Martinez, Evelyn Medina, Irene Mendoza, Isabel Rinton Panfilo, Cristano Serrano, UFW Foundation, United Farm Workers, Celeste Whittle to RESPONSE to 21 Motion to Stay,,,, Motion for Preliminary Injunction,,,. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration (Romero), # 2 Declaration (Panfilo))(Cholera, Kuntal) (Entered: 02/05/2026)

RECAP
35 Feb. 11, 2026

MINUTE ORDER signed by District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff on 2/11/2026: (Text Only Entry): Having considered the unopposed [29, 33] motions for leave to file briefs as amici curiae, the Court grants the motions. The respective briefs attached to the [29, 33] motions are deemed filed upon entry of this minute order. (Deputy Clerk VMG) (Entered: 02/11/2026)

RECAP
Feb. 11, 2026

Minute Order AND Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief AND Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief

36 Feb. 19, 2026

MINUTE ORDER signed by District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff on 2/19/2026: (Text Only Entry), A hearing on plaintiffs' motion for a Section 705 stay and preliminary injunction (Doc. 21 ) is SET for March 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in Courtroom 6 before District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff. (Deputy Clerk VMG) (Entered: 02/19/2026)

RECAP
Feb. 19, 2026

Minute Order AND ~Util - 1 Set/Reset Deadlines and Hearings

37 Feb. 23, 2026

PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION and PROPOSED ORDER submitted by National Council of Agricultural Employers for attorney Christopher James Schulte to appear Pro Hac Vice. (Filing fee $ 300, receipt number ACAEDC-12941670) (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing of C Schulte) (Hause-Schultz, Rebecca) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

RECAP
38 Feb. 25, 2026

PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION and PROPOSED ORDER submitted by Jeanne Marie Malitz for attorney Joseph Alexander Bilby to appear Pro Hac Vice. Attorney Malitz, Jeanne Marie added. (Filing fee $ 300, receipt number ACAEDC-12956527) (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing) (Malitz, Jeanne) (Entered: 02/25/2026)

RECAP
39 Feb. 25, 2026

PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION and PROPOSED ORDER submitted by Jeanne Marie Malitz for attorney Leon R. Sequeira to appear Pro Hac Vice. (Filing fee $ 300, receipt number ACAEDC-12956629) (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing) (Malitz, Jeanne) (Entered: 02/25/2026)

RECAP
40 Feb. 27, 2026

ORDER GRANTING 37 Application for Pro Hac Vice, signed by Magistrate Judge Sheila K. Oberto on 2/27/2026. Added attorney Christopher James Schulte, PHV for United Farm Workers, et al. The Pro Hac Vice attorney is directed to request electronic filing access through PACER. (Deputy Clerk OFR) (Entered: 02/27/2026)

RECAP
41 Feb. 27, 2026

ORDER GRANTING 38 Application for Pro Hac Vice, signed by Magistrate Judge Sheila K. Oberto on 2/27/2026. Added attorney Joseph Alexander Bilby, PHV for The North Carolina Chamber. The Pro Hac Vice attorney is directed to request electronic filing access through PACER. (Deputy Clerk OFR) (Entered: 02/27/2026)

RECAP
42 Feb. 27, 2026

ORDER GRANTING 39 Application for Pro Hac Vice, signed by Magistrate Judge Sheila K. Oberto on 2/27/2026. Added attorney Leon R. Sequeira, PHV for The North Carolina Chamber. The Pro Hac Vice attorney is directed to request electronic filing access through PACER. (Deputy Clerk OFR) (Entered: 02/27/2026)

RECAP
43 March 18, 2026

MINUTES (Text Only) for proceedings held before District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff: MOTION TO STAY and MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION HEARING held on 3/18/2026. The motion(s) argued and submitted. The matter is taken under submission. Written order to follow. Plaintiff's Counsel Kuntal Cholera present. Defendant's Counsel Alexandra McTague via video present. Court Reporter/CD Number: O. Rosales. (Deputy Clerk VMG) (Entered: 03/18/2026)

RECAP
March 18, 2026

Motion Hearing

Case Details

State / Territory:

California

Case Type(s):

Labor Rights

Immigration and/or the Border

Key Dates

Filing Date: Nov. 21, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Plaintiffs include the United Farm Workers union, the UFW Foundation, and numerous individual farmworkers (both U.S. citizens and H-2A workers) from various states.

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.

Other Dockets:

Eastern District of California 1:25-at-01137

Eastern District of California 1:25-cv-01614

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Attorneys fees

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

Immigration/Border:

Employment

Temporary foreign workers program

Recommended Citation