Erie County Legislators introduced a resolution in support of funding for WNY farms and opposing new wage requirements that would increase costs and potentially cut opportunities for seasonal workers.

Provisions of the 2019 Farm Laborers Fair Practices Act gives farm workers a right to overtime after 60 hours of work each week, and the Farm Laborers Wage Board is currently holding hearings on that threshold. However, many farms are unable to keep up with the growing costs associated with staying in business and paying their workers.

The resolution backed by the Minority Caucus supports New York State Senate bill S8944, which delays provisions in the Farm Workers Fair Labor Practices Act in order to provide a more accurate picture of the impact that the provisions of law would have on our agriculture industry. Further, the legislation would give a voice to agricultural employers and laborers by requiring additional public hearings and requiring the wage board to consult with those in the industry.

Legislator Ed Rath said, “These wage requirements hurt famers and their employees. COVID-19 has been one of the most financially-distressing times farms have faced. The wage board needs to take a step back and consider how devastating this overtime threshold is to our farms. Agricultural workers typically want to work as many hours as possible, especially migrant workers, which is why they come to work on our farms. Any OT mandates would result in reduction of hours and reduction of pay for workers. I applaud our State Senators who have taken the lead on this issue in support of our agriculture community.”

A copy of the resolution can be viewed here.