New York Board to Weigh Farm Laborers’ Overtime Threshold

A New York labor board is to consider lowering the overtime threshold for farm laborers to less than the current 60 hours a week, the state labor department said Feb. 24.

Five hearings on the change, which may be implemented in phases, were scheduled across the state starting Feb. 28.

The state labor commission is to have 45 days to take administrative action on the recommendations after they are submitted by Dec. 31.

Farm laborers are entitled to overtime premium pay for work hours that exceeds 60 a week and for work on designated rest days under the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act. The measure took effect Jan. 1, 2020, and also grants farm laborers disability, paid family-leave coverage, and unemployment benefits.

The new board, which is to meet three times, would be able to subpoena witnesses and records and to consult with agricultural employers and farm workers.

Hearings are to be held Feb. 28 in Albany, March 13 in Syracuse, March 23 in Binghamton, April 16 in Farmingville, and April 23 in Batavia, the labor department said. Registration and additional guidance are available through the department.