A letter penned by Assemblyman John Lemondes to the Chairman of the Congressional Agriculture Committee is requesting changes to wage rates to lower the costs of New York farms employing foreign workers.
Agriculture is New York’s largest industry and one of paramount importance to the state economy, it is imperative that New York’s structural barriers be addressed.”
He is asking Representative Glenn Thompson to alter the Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWR) for New York in a bid to lower the financial burden on farmers who employ H-2A workers.
New York State is phasing in a rule that will require overtime for farm workers who work over 40 hours per week, something Lemondes says is too burdensome for farms. He hopes lowering the AEWR will help counteract this.
The letter was cosigned by numerous assembly members and farmers, including neighboring district Assemblyman Brian Manktelow.
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