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Under the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act, the farm labor wage board has the authority to adjust the 60-hour overtime threshold for farm workers. Current law requires that all farm workers are paid one and a half times the regular rate of pay for hours worked over 60 in a calendar week.
Right now, the farm labor wage board is under immense pressure from labor advocates to lower the overtime threshold to 40 hours. Lowering the overtime threshold to 40 hours per calendar week would have a catastrophic effect on family-owned farms. Farms are already facing a severe labor shortage and increased labor costs, lowering the overtime threshold will undoubtedly exacerbate this problem and further harm New York’s stressed farms.
Please take a moment to contact your elected officials urging them to oppose any efforts to lower the overtime threshold. Maintaining the 60-hour work week is critical for farmers, New York’s economy, and consumers.