Lawmakers in Maine are considering legislation to improve the wages and working conditions of thousands of farmworkers. Current law requires farmworkers be paid at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, but they are not eligible for paid overtime.
Andy O'Brien, communications director, Maine AFL-CIO of the Maine AFL-CIO, said the bill would ensure that farmworkers are considered state employees, making them eligible for the state's minimum wage of $13.80.
"Farmworkers work extremely hard," O'Brien said. "I used to blueberry rake and it's back-breaking labor, and there's no reason why they don't deserve the same rights as other workers."
The Labor and Housing Committee has advanced the bill, but some farmers have said increased wages and overtime protections could force them to cut workers' hours.
Farmworkers were intentionally excluded from benefits and protections in the National Labor Relations Act, which protects the rights of workers to unionize and collectively bargain. They were also originally exempted from wage and overtime protections in the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.
O'Brien said those working to keep the nation fed deserve better.
Source: publicnewsservice.org
Photo Credit: istock-shironosov
Categories: Missouri, Business