What are the laws regarding agricultural workers’ rights?
In Washington, agricultural workers have many rights, guaranteed under laws like the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA), the Washington Minimum Wage Act (MWA), and the Washington State Employment Security Act (SESA). The FLSA is a federal law that defines minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards that apply to agricultural workers. Under the FLSA, agricultural workers must receive at least the Federal minimum wage ($7.25 per hour as of 2021). They must also receive overtime pay when they work more than 40 hours in a workweek. The MSPA is a federal law that deals with a variety of labor rights, including health and safety protections, wage rights, and protections against exploitation. This law requires employers to provide agricultural workers with housing that meets certain standards and allows workers to inspect their housing before they sign a lease. It also requires employers to provide workers with accurate information about their rights, wages, and working conditions. The MWA is a state law that sets the minimum wage rate for all jobs in Washington – currently $13.69 per hour. This law also requires agricultural employers to pay overtime when workers exceed 40 hours in one workweek. Finally, the SESA is a state law that requires employers to provide workers’ compensation insurance, unemployment insurance, and an employment security department to handle workers’ claims. Overall, these laws provide important protections for agricultural workers in Washington, ensuring that their rights are respected and that they receive fair wages and working conditions.
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