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?