Senator Rachel May Announces Her Support of Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act

Albany, NY - Senator May (D-Onondaga, Madison, Oneida) announces that she has signed on as a co-sponsor of the Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act, S.6578. This decision comes after months of negotiations between the Legislature, the Governor’s office, and stakeholders to develop a strong proposal that protects farmworkers rights while acknowledging unique conditions in our agricultural economy.

Last week the Senate, the Assembly, and the Governor’s office met to discuss the final points of the bill resulting in version S.6578, which is being moved through the Legislature at the request of the Governor. 

The Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act has been brought up, in some form, for almost two decades. This year, the Legislature undertook an unprecedented level of outreach and engagement with advocates and stakeholders. The Senate held hearings across New York in Morrisville, Smithtown, and Loch Sheldrake along with roundtables, meetings with advocates, and visits to farms across the state. 

The compromises made in the legislation include 60 hours per work week prior to overtime being accrued and a right to binding arbitration. The legislation also creates a Farm Laborers Wage Board, which will consist of three individuals (one appointed by the Commissioner of Labor, one appointed by the Farm Bureau, and one appointed by the AFL-CIO) and has the ability to conduct public hearings and other meetings with stakeholders, draft reports, and present recommendations to the Legislature. 

“I am tremendously proud of the work the Senate has done this year to have an open dialog about this topic. My office coordinated with Senators Ramos, Metzger, and Martinez to conduct a thorough and deliberate study of the issues, and our efforts yielded a compromise that recognizes the labor rights of farmworkers and protects farms,” said Senator May. “Most of us agreed in the spirit of the Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act and it is so rewarding to have been able to participate in discussions with stakeholders from all sides of the issue and create a strong compromise bill that upholds the labor protections we all want while recognizing that the farming industry faces unique challenges. I am especially grateful to my colleagues for their tireless work on finding common ground and creating a solution that addresses many of the initial concerns.” 
 

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