University researchers interviewed 48 farmworkers for an in-depth look at their situation. (Oregon State University) The past two years have been difficult for everyone, but some 87,000 farmworkers in Oregon have faced some of the worst hardships, with state officials sometimes failing to protect them, according to a report published[Read More…]
Tag: OREGON LABOR
Judge halts farmworker overtime appeal until new state law takes effect
An irrigation system in an agricultural field off of 76th Avenue Northeast on Friday, March 12, 2021. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) A recent legal challenge to state rules excluding agricultural workers from getting overtime pay is paused until June 2, the date a farmworker overtime bill would go into effect if[Read More…]
Farm bureau-sponsored study predicts proposed agricultural overtime would be detrimental to industry
An onion field off of 76th Avenue Northeast on Friday, March 12, 2021. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) A recent economic report commissioned by the Oregon Farm Bureau said requiring overtime pay for agricultural workers would overwhelm farmers with higher costs and have mixed impacts on how much farmworkers take home. The[Read More…]
Long hours without overtime pay for farmworkers lead to health problems, less family time, OHSU report says
An irrigation system in an agricultural field off of 76th Avenue Northeast on Friday, March 12, 2021. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) An Oregon Health & Science University report released Wednesday found Oregon farmworkers are often made to work overtime without additional compensation, leading to financial strain and taking a toll on[Read More…]
Turner-based wine producer offers overtime pay to agricultural workers as most are excluded from state rules
Rows of grapes growing at Willamette Valley Vineyards in Turner. (Troy Brynelson/Salem Reporter) All employees at Willamette Valley Vineyards will qualify for overtime pay starting Jan. 1, as state regulations still exclude most agricultural workers in Oregon from getting it. The decision will affect pay for the company’s 45 full-time[Read More…]
Salem nonprofit challenges farmworker exclusion from Oregon overtime rules
An onion field off of 76th Avenue Northeast on Friday, March 12, 2021. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter) Javier Ceja has worked in Oregon’s fields for 40 years, often putting in 11 or 12-hour days to harvest fruits and vegetables. Now, he’s joining fellow Oregon farmworker Anita Santiago and Salem nonprofit Mano[Read More…]