You are not logged in. Log in to associate your identity with your comment. Warning: If you want to log in, you should do so now. Otherwise, you may need to retype your comment. If you do not have an account, you can register here. You can comment without logging in, but your comment will appear to be from "Anonymous".
Post
Gov. Schwarzenegger Vetoes Field Worker Overtime Changes
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger just vetoed legislation proposed by Senate Majority Lead Dean Florez, D-Shafter, that would change the overtime law as it pertains to farm workers.
Currently, farm workers receive overtime after working 10 hours in a day or 60 hours in a week. Most other Californians are eligible for overtime after an 8 hour day or a 40 hour work week.
The reasons Gov. Schwarzenegger vetoed the bill because it is mostly a seasonal occupation and would hurt businesses, increase unemployment and decrease wages.
Florez, the grandson of farm workers, condemned the veto criticizing the Governor and State of California for treating one group of workers differently than every other worker in California. At this time, no other state pays farm workers overtime after a 40 hour week.
Opponents of the bill believe employers would reduce hours to avoid paying overtime.
What do you think? Should farm workers be eligible for overtime after a 40 hour week rather than a 60? Or do you think growers would react by reducing their workforce and thereby increasing unemployment?
Currently, farm workers receive overtime after working 10 hours in a day or 60 hours in a week. Most other Californians are eligible for overtime after an 8 hour day or a 40 hour work week.
The reasons Gov. Schwarzenegger vetoed the bill because it is mostly a seasonal occupation and would hurt businesses, increase unemployment and decrease wages.
Florez, the grandson of farm workers, condemned the veto criticizing the Governor and State of California for treating one group of workers differently than every other worker in California. At this time, no other state pays farm workers overtime after a 40 hour week.
Opponents of the bill believe employers would reduce hours to avoid paying overtime.
What do you think? Should farm workers be eligible for overtime after a 40 hour week rather than a 60? Or do you think growers would react by reducing their workforce and thereby increasing unemployment?
Print this Page
Send to a Friend