An op-ed published in the Sacramento Bee by the head of the Yolo County Farm Bureau yesterday effectively reiterates Western Growers’ opposition to AB 1066, the ag overtime bill (Gonzalez-D) that threatens the potential future earnings of farmworkers. The bill jeopardizes the available work hours and jobs of farmworkers who, according to the op-ed, “can earn up to 50 percent more in a week than non-agricultural employees because they can work as much as 60 hours a week.”

Coupled with other burdensome regulations like the recently enacted $15/hr minimum wage requirement, farmers will be forced to cut back on production. The results will be devastating for farmworkers and for the California economy. An economic analysis conducted by the reputable Highland Economics firm, included in a recent Spotlight piece, corroborates these assertions.

Also in case you missed it, we want to bring your attention to this effective video which precisely lays out why AB 1066 is a bad idea and why legislators should oppose it. Please feel free to circulate it to whomever may find it useful. 

Western Growers urges members who have not already done so to contact your individual state senator and assembly member to register your opposition to the bill. Legislators need to understand the impacts the bill will have on your farmworkers. 

Use our AB 1066 advocacy campaign page to quickly and easily send your legislators a message to oppose the bill.

For more information, contact Matthew Allen at (916) 446-1435.