Thread: Farmworker overtime bill passes Assembly

Farmworker overtime bill passes Assembly

Farmworkers would get more pay after 8 hours.

Posted at 11:07 PM on Thursday, Jul. 01, 2010
By E.J. Schultz / Bee Capitol Bureau

SACRAMENTO -- The Assembly on Thursday sent to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's desk legislation that would require farmers to pay more overtime to farmworkers.

California is the only state in the nation that provides overtime for farmworkers after 10 hours a day or 60 hours a week. Senate Bill 1121, by Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, would grant overtime after eight hours.

The bill, which already cleared the Senate, passed the Assembly by a 47-26 vote with Republicans voting no. Schwarzenegger has not taken a position. Supporters said the bill is about fairness.

"If people who work in air-conditioned offices get overtime after eight hours, farmworkers should too," said Assembly Member Juan Arambula, I-Fresno, who grew up working in the Valley's farm fields.

The bill is opposed by farmers, who fear losing a competitive advantage to growers in other states that don't require overtime. Opponents also said the bill could mean less pay for farmworkers, because growers might cut back their hours instead of paying more.

"We are going to absolutely be punishing the workforce of California," said Assembly Member Tom Berryhill, R-Oakdale.

The United Farm Workers did not lobby for the bill. The union has pointed out that overtime can be won through contract negotiations.

http://www.fresnobee.com/2010/07/01/199 ... asses.html

It's not like these farmers have to pay benefits for their help. They would simply get more workers to prevent paying more.