NABTU President McGarvey Criticizes H-2B Program Expansion Impact

Concerns Over H-2B Program Expansion Amid Job Market Challenges

Washington, D.C. — February 3, 2026 — The ongoing expansion of the H-2B program has sparked criticism from leading labor organizations concerned about its impact on American workers. North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), under the leadership of President Sean McGarvey, has raised alarms over the program's current trajectory.

President McGarvey emphasized that “expanding the H‑2B program without real safeguards is a direct hit on American workers at a time when people across the country are looking for jobs and construction projects are being slowed or shut down.” He noted that this issue transcends party lines, as administrations from both political spectrums have increased the program's reach without addressing its core issues.

The H-2B program, designed to bring in temporary foreign workers, is under scrutiny for allegedly allowing employers to bypass local labor markets. NABTU contends that the program is often exploited to import low-wage labor, which undermines wages, benefits, and working conditions. McGarvey stated, “The H‑2B program is routinely used to import low‑wage labor that undercuts wages, benefits, and working conditions.”

Highlighting the readiness of NABTU members to take on available work, McGarvey called for companies to address hiring challenges by raising wages and enhancing jobsite conditions, as well as investing in training and apprenticeship programs. He argued that relying on a foreign workforce susceptible to exploitation is not the solution.

McGarvey urged for substantial reforms to the H-2B program, stating, “We are calling for real reforms that stop these blanket expansions and put in place strong protections that uplift labor standards, strengthen America’s construction workforce, and protect all workers.”

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