Editor’s Note: Click here https://youtu.be/oqje8LvXOHs for Assemblywoman Byrnes’ comments.

Today, the New York State Assembly passed the Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act (A.8419), a bill that will negatively impact the agricultural industry in New York State. Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes (R,C-Caledonia), whose district is largely made up of farmland, voted no on the bill and strongly opposes the legislation due to increased costs for farmers.

Farmers across the state have come together on numerous occasions in opposition of the proposal that would authorize farmworkers to join unions and collective bargaining agreements. The new mandates will increase agricultural costs and further burden family farms at a time when farmers are already enduring financial crisis. Both Steuben and Livingston counties recently passed resolutions in opposition of the original bill due to concerns with the proposal.

“The Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act is another regulation crippling our state’s farmers. Dairy farming requires 24/7 labor, and crop farming is seasonal and heavily dependent on weather. I worry that this bill will drive already-struggling farms into the ground,” said Byrnes. “Farm owners are already forced to withstand paying one of the highest minimum wages in the nation, and by implementing overtime, farms will face increased labor costs and lower profit margins.”