Law officials speak out against proposed change to farm worker overtime laws

ALBANY, N.Y. (WHEC) — People are speaking out against a proposed change to farm worker overtime laws.

Republican candidate for Governor Congressman Lee Zeldin was joined by fellow New York Representative Elise Stefanik outside Albany Monday.

They spoke out against a proposed policy that would lower the overtime threshold for farm workers in the state from 60 to 40 hours.

Zeldin says, if enacted—it will cause farms to shut down.

"There’s a decision right now in front of this state, do they want to have the backs of farming in New York or not? It’s actually black and white. If you reduce this threshold, from 60 hours to 40 hours you will have businesses that will fold, you will have businesses leave, you will have employees that are desperately needed here pursue opportunities elsewhere, said Zeldin.

Supporters of the overtime change say farm workers deserve the same workplace protections as any other employee.

The farm laborer’s wage board is set to vote on the measure on September 6.