Farm Groups' Letter Urges Farm Labor Reform as H-2A Costs Squeeze Growers

On August 10, a broad coalition of US agricultural groups urged lawmakers to swiftly pass HR 9535, the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (or SAWA) which would overhaul the H-2A farm labor program through changes to worker eligibility, wage rules, and administrative requirements. The use of foreign labor is an aspect of farming closely tied to production costs, margins, harvest timing, crop acreage, and marketable supply. 

NRF Applauds House Hearing Highlighting Pro-Growth Tax Policy for American Workers

The National Retail Federation today [May 20, 2026] applauded the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Tax hearing, “Your Paycheck, Returned: How the Working Families Tax Cuts Delivered for Americans,” for highlighting the importance of pro-growth tax policy to American workers, businesses and communities.

“Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, supporting 55 million American jobs and contributing $5.3 trillion annually to the U.S. economy,” National Retail Federation Vice President of Tax Policy Ashley Wilson said. “Today’s hearing underscores how competitive tax policy helps retailers...

Legal Challenges, Changing Demand and Wage Pressures in Foodservice

The foodservice industry continues to navigate a complex mix of legal scrutiny, evolving consumer preferences and ongoing labor challenges. Recent lawsuits targeting major brands underscore heightened expectations around transparency and worker protections, while new data reveals how even small factors like cooking oil are increasingly shaping dining decisions, particularly among younger consumers.

At the same time, global traffic trends show cautious but steady recovery, with quick-service restaurants leading the way despite economic headwinds. Layered onto this are mounting wage debates...

Mayor Johnson Threatens to Veto Ordinance That Would Protect Thousands of Jobs and Restaurants

Coalition of Tipped Workers, Service Operators, Local Businesses and the Illinois Restaurant Association Applaud City Council for Supporting Tip Credit Freeze

Mayor Brandon Johnson is threatening to veto an ordinance that more than half of the City Council supported that would stop the damage being done to the vibrant restaurant industry in each of Chicago's 77 communities.

The ordinance that passed 30-18 freezes the city's tip credit at 24 percent of Chicago's minimum wage, providing needed stability for restaurant workers and...