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New York farm owners and workers grapple with new overtime threshold rules

New York's farmworkers and farm owners are in a state of disarray following the implementation of new overtime threshold rules. As of January 1, the overtime threshold was reduced from 60 to 56 hours. This has led to a reduction in working hours, despite a tax credit provided to farmers to offset the overtime costs. The situation has resulted in confusion and frustration among workers over their lost wages.

Hemdale Farms, which employs between 15 and 50 workers, is one of the farms affected by this change. Dale Hemminger, the owner, said that the farm's work hours can reach up to 70 hours during busy periods such as planting and harvest. The fluctuating weather conditions also contribute to the long working hours.

Although the state provides a tax credit for overtime costs between the threshold and 60 hours, Hemminger said the process of applying for the credit is cumbersome. Over the next decade, the threshold will gradually decrease by four hours each year until it reaches 40. This has led to concerns among workers about the future of their employment and potential biosecurity risks if they decide to work part-time at other farms.

Richard Stup, the director of Cornell’s Agricultural Workforce Program, said the confusion surrounding the overtime threshold has prompted a partnership with the state. This aims to increase understanding of the regulations among farm employees and ensure they are receiving the benefits they are entitled to.

Source: spectrumlocalnews.com

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