L&I video explains new agricultural overtime law

L&I video explains new agricultural overtime law

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has created short videos to explain the new law that gives agricultural workers the right to earn overtime starting Jan. 1.

The 30-second video is available in English and Spanish. Employers, farm labor contractors, agricultural industry and farmworker organizations, advocate groups, unions, and individuals are welcome to share the video with their networks.

There are two versions, a smaller format for use on social media (English and Spanish) and one for different methods of communication (English and Spanish). Audio descriptive versions are available by sending an email to Jeff Mayor.

Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5172 eliminates the agricultural worker exemption to the state’s Minimum Wage Act. That means agricultural workers will be able to earn overtime beginning in 2022.

The law includes a three-year phase-in schedule that incrementally reduces the number of hours worked by agricultural workers before they are entitled to overtime pay:

As of Jan. 1, 2022: 55 hours in a workweek

As of Jan. 1, 2023: 48 hours in a workweek

As of Jan. 1, 2024: 40 hours in a workweek

Dairy workers have been eligible for overtime pay since the Washington Supreme Court ruling in November 2020.

You can learn more about the new law at L&I’s agricultural overtime web page. The page includes fact sheets and infographics, available in English and Spanish.

L&I also offers free webinars in English and Spanish. On L&I's “Workshops and Training Center” web page, look for ‘Understanding the Changes in Agricultural Overtime Laws’ in the “Event Title” pulldown menu. In addition to the webinars, the program provides educational outreach services with a similar presentation to individual groups. To request a presentation, send an email to the program’s Farm Labor Unit.

If you have questions, you can contact the Employment Standards Program by calling toll free 1-866-219-7321 or sending an email to the Farm Labor Unit.