UPCOMING EVENT: Hundreds of Farm Workers Expected to Gather on Thursday, Jan. 25 at WA State Capitol to Speak Out on Problems with New State Ag Overtime Law

Event comes after nearly 1,000 farm workers gathered in series of events across state voicing frustration with new law causing significant decrease in take-home pay

​OLYMPIA, Wash. - Hundreds of farmworkers are expected to gather outside the Washington State Capitol in Olympia Thursday, Jan. 25, holding a rally to speak out about the harm the state’s new overtime law for farm work is causing them, including lower-income and less time at home with family.

The new law has resulted in a significant loss of take-home pay for farmworkers in Washington, echoing the findings of a Cal Berkeley study on impacts of California’s similar change in agricultural wage laws. Coupled with the rapid increase in the cost of living, overtime restrictions are deeply harming workers’ economic situations here in Washington state as well. 

The phase-in of overtime pay requirements for agricultural work in Washington state reduced work hours for farm workers. Farms already face thin margins and are making changes to try to stay in business despite skyrocketing costs and stagnant prices for their crops. 

Nearly 1,000 farmworkers gathered at events across eastern Washington to speak out on this issue, and they say they will continue to gather and voice their frustration until leaders in Olympia make changes to allow them to make more money.

Thursday’s event at the state Capitol’s north steps will feature several speakers sharing how the new law is affecting them, providing information about the evolving issue and giving workers an opportunity to have their perspective heard. Speakers include:

• Maia Espinoza, Director, Center for Latino Leadership
• Maria D Rodriguez, Vizionz Economic Development Center
• State Senator Nikki Torres (R), Pasco
• Dillon Honcoop, Save Family Farming 

Numerous videos of farm workers speaking out about this issue are availalbe on Protect Farm Workers Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Protect Farm Workers Now is a project of Save Family Farming, a 501(c)5 non-profit advocating for the Washington farming community, and is collaborating on this effort with the Center for Latino Leadership, a 503(c)3 non-profit promoting bipartisan conversation and collaboration on the issues that truly matter to Washington state’s Latino community. Visit centerforlatinoleaders.org​

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