Survey: New Law Resulted In Smaller Paychecks For Farm Workers

A new survey of Washington farmworkers finds the state’s overtime law may be leaving some workers with fewer hours and smaller paychecks. The Washington State University survey collected 643 responses from farmworkers.

Of those that answered a follow-up question, nearly 685 said their paychecks had decreased under the current overtime law. And the survey found 71% either wanted or needed more hours, while nearly half said employer limits were affecting their ability to work as many hours as they wanted. Workers also reported pressure to complete the same amount of work in fewer hours, particularly during harvest.

"What workers said about their paychecks, families, and possible solutions deserves attention." said Center for Latino Leadership Founder and Executive Director, Maia Espinoza. “I hope these new findings drive the point home to lawmakers. Before making decisions for farmworkers, listen to farmworkers.”

Researchers caution the survey was not a random sample and does not represent all Washington farmworkers. Click Here to read that survey for yourself.

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