Griffo statement on Department of Labor accepting New York Farm Laborers Wage Board’s recommendation to lower overtime threshold

“The decision made by the state Department of Labor to accept the New York Farm Laborers Wage Board’s recommendation to lower the overtime threshold for farms will have a devastating effect on the state’s agriculture industry.  

While I recognize and respect the important role that farmworkers play in the industry, reducing the overtime threshold is another bad policy supported by the governor and legislative majorities. It is clear that they didn’t listen to or care about the significant and legitimate concerns raised by many across the state, including the New York Farm Bureau, farmers and agriculture-related groups. 

This disappointing decision will be detrimental to the viability and financial well-being of family farms at a time when many are already struggling. It is another example of why so many New Yorkers in recent polls continue to believe that the state is heading in the wrong direction.” 

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