Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D) signed House Bill 4002 on April 15, which grants agricultural workers overtime pay.
The bill phases in overtime pay beginning in 2023, with hours starting at 55 hours per week through 2024 and gradually dropping to 40 hours after 2027.
In a letter to the Legislature, Brown noted while the bill gives protections to workers, it also has consequences for employers. “That is why it was so vital that the legislation include a tax credit structure, to help offset the impact to our smallest family owned and operated farms,” Brown said.
Producers will be grouped into one of three tax credit programs depending on the number of their employees and be given a credit for a percentage of excess wages paid.
