A Central Washington lawmaker says the state’s agricultural overtime law is putting severe strain on farmers and farmworkers. The Moses Lake Republican is renewing his push for relief as the Legislature prepares to convene.
Representative Tom Dent says he continues to hear from growers across the state who are struggling under Washington’s agricultural overtime law. Dent is pushing legislation that would give producers 12 flexible weeks each year where workers could go up to 50 hours before overtime – a change he says is essential during harvest:
“The agriculture community, our producers are in a bad way right now. They’re really struggling to make it work. And to be honest, some of them didn’t pick their fruit because they couldn’t afford the overtime.”
Dent says the current requirement – overtime after 40 hours year-round – is forcing tough decisions. He’s now working with labor leaders, growers, and legislative chairs to find common-ground solutions and secure a hearing this session:
“It’s killing us. It’s breaking the bank. It’s breaking our backs. We can’t afford it. It’s heartbreaking.”
Dent is encouraged by recent conversations with the governor and House leadership and hopes negotiations will lead to meaningful relief for both farmers and workers.
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