Congresswoman Tenney's Statement on Adoption of Lower Overtime Wage Threshold for Farm Workers

Press Release

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22) today released the following statement in response to New York State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon's decision to adopt a proposal from the New York State Farm Laborer's Wage Board to lower the state's farm laborer overtime threshold from 60 to 40 hours per week.

"To say this decision is misguided is an understatement. Commissioner Reardon is undermining the men and women across our great state whom she is supposed to serve. Her decision to adopt this disastrous proposal to lower the overtime wage threshold for farm workers is going to lead to lost wages for workers, increased costs for farmers, and higher prices for consumers.

"I want to remind Commissioner Reardon that without our farms, we will have no food. And the facts are clear: the adoption of this proposal is going to drive an overwhelming amount of our farmers out of the state, and many out of business altogether. I would strongly urge her to reverse this decision, which has been opposed by farmers and farm workers alike."

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