LOCH SHELDRAKE – The Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act, pending in Albany, would guarantee collective bargaining rights, workers’ compensation and unemployment benefits to farmworkers.
Key among many provisions of the Act:
- Establish an 8-hour workday for farmworkers
- Provide farmworkers overtime pay of at least time-and-one-half, after 8 hours of work
- Allow farmworkers one day of rest each week, which they may decline
- Give farmworkers the right to organize and bargain collectively for the purposes of representing and protecting their interests
The parade of public hearings on the bill stopped at SUNY Sullivan in Loch Sheldrake on Thursday, with 35 signed up in advance to speak.
Among the lead presenters was Dr. Richard Stup, an agricultural workforce specialist at Cornell University. Among his statistics is the decline in agricultural workforce population in recent years, from 61,000 to about 55,000 now.
Stup said their study also showed farmworkers, on average, have about seven years tenure at their current farm, received some benefits and earned regular wages, totaling about $46,000 a year.
The Cornell study also looked at a significant impact the pending increase in the state minimum wage would have, outside of the Farmworkers Act.
“They found that through 2021, the planned minimum wage increase and potential overtime increase would increase wage expenses 52 to 70 percent.
That prompted one farmer to say agriculture, by its nature, cannot compete with other industries if salaries for seasonal workers are pushed up to $20 an hour.
Among the supporters was Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation President Billy Riccaldo. “Been 20 years since there has been any meaningful improvements for the farmworkers in this state,” Riccaldo said. “Now is the time to pass the Farmworkers Fair Labor Act. There is simply no justification for the state to afford farmworkers fewer and less stringent protection and rights in the workplace. There is no reason to treat them any less than any other worker in New York.”
Kerhonkson farmer Chris Kelder, who grows apples, other fruit and vegetables, said he was afraid of many things that could happen with this legislation, to his family, his farm and, the intended benefactors. “I am afraid for the farmworkers who will not be able to find future employment if farms are not here.”
Kelder, and some other farmers, said, in essence, the act is a cure far worse than the disease. “This labor bill may be the beginning of the end of an industry that is the backbone of rural New York. I understand that the supporters of this legislation do so with the best intentions but there will be unintended consequences to farmworkers, farmers, rural communities and consumers.”
The Sullivan County hearing was chaired by Senator Jennifer Metzger, whose 42nd district includes substantial farmland. `
“In my view, we have to work together collaboratively on solutions that sustain farming in New York for the long term, providing real economic benefit for farmworkers and farm families and food security for all New Yorkers,” said Metzger, who chairs the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Committee on Labor.
Anyone unable to attend the hearings but wishing to testify may submit written testimony to both metzger@nysenate.gov and ramos@nysenate.gov or in person at 201 Dolson Ave, Suite F, Middletown.
