Provides for twenty-four hours of consecutive rest for farm laborers

BILL NUMBER:S7964

Title of bill

An act to amend the labor law, in relation to providing farm laborers with a day of rest

Purpose or general idea of bill

To provide farm workers with twenty-four consecutive hours of rest each week

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 of the bill amends section 161 of the Labor Law to allow every farm laborer at least 24 hours of rest each week, which may include 24 hours spent at rest due to weather or crop circumstances. This right may be waived in writing by the employee if he or she prefers to work on the day of rest. Farm employers would be required to post notice of this right in a central posting area. The term "farm laborer" is defined. This requirement would not apply to a parent, child, spouse, in-law or other member of the employer's immediate family.

Section 2 establishes the effective date of the Act.

Existing law

Section 161 of the labor law which provides most workers with a day of rest does not apply to farm workers.

Justification

This legislation would provide farm workers with the same right to a day of rest enjoyed by other workers, which is intended to protect the health and safety of employees. Farm work involves long hours, strenuous duties and exposure to pesticides. Allowing farm workers to take a voluntary day off would allow them to take care of medical and other personal needs. If a farm worker prefers not to take a day of rest in order to earn additional wages, he or she may consent in writing to work on that day. Farm workers are essential to the success of New York's agricultural industry. They should have the same basic right to a day of rest as workers in other industries in New York.

Prior legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act would take effect immediately.