File #: Res 0915-2005    Version: * Name: S.2290 and A.1172, granting collective bargaining rights and basic labor protections to farm workers.
Type: Resolution Status: Filed
Committee: Committee on State and Federal Legislation
On agenda: 4/12/2005
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to adopt S.2290 and A.1172, which would grant collective bargaining rights as well as provide basic labor protections to farm workers.
Sponsors: Margarita Lopez, Charles Barron, Yvette D. Clarke, Lewis A. Fidler, Letitia James, Annabel Palma, James Sanders, Jr., Kendall Stewart
Council Member Sponsors: 8

Res. No. 915

 

Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to adopt S.2290 and A.1172, which would grant collective bargaining rights as well as provide basic labor protections to farm workers.

 

By Council Members López, Barron, Clarke, Fidler, James, Palma, Sanders Jr. and Stewart

                     

                     Whereas, According to the Cornell Migrant Program, there are roughly 80,000 farm workers in New York State, and approximately 47,000 of those are migratory; and

Whereas, These workers help to support New York’s estimated $3 billion agriculture industry and are an integral part of New York’s economy; and

Whereas, Despite their vital role in New York’s economy, New York State labor laws exclude farm workers from such rights and protections as disability insurance, unemployment insurance, a day of rest, overtime pay, and collective bargaining and the right to organize; and

Whereas, Migrant and seasonal farm workers are among some of the most economically disadvantaged people in the United States, frequently receiving low wages, and would benefit greatly from expanded workplace protections; and

Whereas, In addition to a lack of workplace protections and low wages, farm workers often must also contend with dangerous work conditions and sub-standard living conditions; and

Whereas, Farm workers perform critical and demanding labor and should be entitled to the same workplace protections as all other workers; and

Whereas, Legislation has been introduced in the New York State Legislature, S.2290 and A.1172, which would grant collective bargaining rights and basic labor protections to farm workers; and

Whereas, In the past, the New York State Senate has failed to move this legislation out of committee; and

Whereas, New York’s farm workers deserve equal rights, and it is time for the State of New York to do the right thing for these hardworking farm workers whose labor helps put the food on the table for New York’s families; now, therefore, be it 

                     Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to adopt S.2290 and A.1172, which would grant collective bargaining rights as well as provide basic labor protections to farm workers. 

 

 

 

 

LS # 2727

JP 4/6/05