Fairness for Farm Workers Act

This legislation aims to significantly enhance labor protections for agricultural workers by amending the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA). A core provision introduces a new, phased-in requirement for overtime pay for agricultural employees. For larger employers, this begins on January 1, 2027, with overtime due after 55 hours, progressively decreasing to 40 hours by January 1, 2030. Smaller employers, those with 25 or fewer employees, will see a delayed implementation, starting in 2030 and reaching the 40-hour threshold by 2033. Beyond overtime, the bill also removes several existing exemptions that have historically excluded agricultural workers from various FLSA provisions. Specifically, it repeals certain subsections and paragraphs related to agricultural employment exemptions, and narrows the family member exemption to apply only to immediate family. These changes, including the removal of exemptions, have staggered effective dates, generally ranging from 2027 to 2033, depending on the specific provision and employer size.