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Includes Provisions for a Day of Rest; Time Off for Religious Observances
Thursday, June 22, 2000
The New York State Senate today passed legislation (S.8135), from the Senate Rules Committee, which would improve working conditions for farm workers in New York State by mandating an average of one day of rest per week and enabling workers to take time off for religious observances. The legislation, a product of statewide hearings held by a special Senate Committee, would also create a commission to investigate the current status of farm conditions and ensure that employers and employees are aware of their legal rights and responsibilities.
�Farmworkers provide an essential service to all New Yorkers, yet they are often forced to work under draconian conditions," said Senate Labor Chairman Nicholas Spano (R-C, Westchester). �We are finally �righting� the many wrongs farmworkers have long-endured in the fields by putting an end to the tremendous inequities that have resulted in their exclusion from State labor laws.�
�Earlier this session, we passed legislation to raise farmworkers� wages, better their living conditions and improve their housing, in an effort to bring a better standard of living to the farmworkers in this state,� Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno said. �This legislation builds on that commitment by passing real reforms that will make an immediate difference to the farmworkers of this state and their families. In addition, by empowering a commission to further investigate farmerworker issues, we will be able to continue improving conditions into the future.�
The bill guarantees employees an average of twenty-four consecutive hours off per work-week over a four week period. Employees will also be guaranteed a reasonable period off for religious observance.
Additional provisions of the bill will establish an Agricultural Employment Commission-- consisting of 13 members from farm, labor and government groups-- which will compile a guide outlining employers� and employees� legal rights and responsibilities. The commission will also investigate the current status of agricultural labor conditions in New York, the United States and around the world and make recommendations to the Commissioner of Labor in an effort to improve conditions on New York farms.
Senator Spano is the author of legislation that prohibits the two-tier system of separate minimum wages for farmworkers. He also sponsored the law that requires farmers to provide their employees with toilet and handwashing facilities.
The bill will be sent to the Assembly.
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