A new farmworker overtime bill that has drawn harsh criticisms from industry has been passed by the California Senate, and will now move on to the full Assembly floor for a final vote that has to happen before August 31. 

The AB 1066 (Gonzalez – D) legislation would make overtime pay kick in after eight hours' work, up from the current 10 hours.

Consultancy Highland Economics LLC estimates the measure would cut farmworker incomes by US$1.5 billion and lead to a US$5.4 billion loss in crop production.

The vote today went 21-14 in the bill's favor with four abstentions.

Industry association Western Growers has called on all its members to immediately contact their assembly member and express their opposition to the bill.

A similar bill received a 38-35 vote in June, which was three votes short of the 41-vote majority needed for the law to pass.

Photo: WGA

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