The Fair Labor Standards Act provides some very important protections for most farm workers. You must be paid at least $7.25 per hour. Even if you are paid on a piece rate, your wages each week must be at least $7.25 per hour.

You must be paid for all hours worked, including waiting time, and, in some circumstances, travel time. For example, if you have to wait for boxes, bins, equipment, or similar things in order to start working you should be paid for that time. If you move from one field to the next during the day, you must be paid for that travel time. Also, if your lunch break is less than 30 minutes, you must be paid for it. Keep a record of all your hours to make sure you are paid correctly.

Most farmworkers are not entitled to overtime pay. Overtime is time and ½ pay for hours over 40 in a week. However, if you are planting trees or cutting brush, you may be entitled to overtime pay. Also, some packing and nursery jobs are entitled to overtime pay. If you have any questions or problems, please call one of our offices.

Farmworker Unit of Pine Tree Legal Assistance
61 Main Street, Room 41
Bangor, ME 04401
Phone: Toll-Free from anywhere in the U.S. or Canada 1-800-879-7463
(207) 942-0673
Fax: (207) 942-8323
TTY: (207) 942-1060

Specializes in providing free legal services to agricultural workers. Services are available to eligible farm workers whether they are migrants or reside in Maine.

1. •Disputes with your employer
   

2. •Denial of public benefits
   

3. •Substandard worker housing
   

4. •Workplace injury
   

5. •Wage violations
   

6. •Tax questions
   

7. •Questions about unemployment insurance
   

8. •Medical care
   

9. •Inadequate drinking water or sanitary facilities at work or in worker housing
   

10. •Discrimination complaints
    

11. •Domestic violence

There is a law in the United States called the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act.

Under this law you have the right to:

1. •Accurate information, in writing, about the job when recruited.
   

2. •Accurate and complete wage statements every time you get paid.
   

3. •Clean, safe housing.
   

4. •Transportation in safe vehicles if the employer provides transportation.
   

5. •The contractor and the employer have to keep all their promises.

   

   
   

This law also has many other protections for workers. If your employer violates this law, you can get up to $500 for each violation, and sometimes more.

Please Note:  This webpage is in the process of being created.  Additional information will be added soon.