Senate Bill Addressing Piece Rate Gets Little Support In Olympia

Most fruit growers use the piece rate form of payment, where workers are paid by the amount of fruit they bring in daily.  However, the piece rate has been the focus on recent lawsuits, claiming workers were denied needed breaks under the current system.  In response, Senator Brad Hawkins has introduced legislation, SB 5720.

“[We're] Trying to help the workers that want to maintain that formula, but protect those orchardists and the farmers who are being sued, because, according to the lawsuit, they are not adequately paying for lunch and break time," said Senate Agriculture, Water, Trade & Economic Development Chair Judy Warnick.

She added it’s becoming more challenging for producers in Washington to find good workers, so the state must do what it can to foster a climate that supports growers.  Warnick said at this point, the bill is not getting a lot of support.

“We did get it out of committee, but we’re not getting people to even come and negotiate that bill from the labor side, so it’s pretty frustrating.

Warnick said work on the H-2-A Program is also important moving forward, and she’s already reached out to D.C. lawmakers discussing the importance of labor for Central Washington farmers.

Click Here to learn more about SB 5720.

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