Albany, NY – Members of the New York State Assembly on May 13 announced legislation aimed at protecting farm workers.
The Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act (Assembly Bill 1792-A) would give farm workers the right to bargain collectively, as well as one day of rest a week and workers’ compensation benefits. It also would require forepersons to report worker injuries to the employer.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D), who supports the bill, recommended outlawing the practice of firing farm workers who request claim forms to report on-the-job injuries.
