New Study Reveals the Real-World Impact of Agricultural Overtime in Washington State

Yakima, Wash. — Washington’s agricultural overtime law was passed with the goal of improving farmworker pay. A new study conducted by Washington State University and the Center for Latino Leadership asked farmworkers about their experiences under the law. Many described fewer hours, smaller paychecks, and greater difficulty earning enough during Washington’s limited harvest season.

Among workers who answered a question about their preferred weekly hours, 71.4% said they wished for or needed more hours.

“With this law, they ruined my income,” stated one respondent.

“Farmers don't want to or can't afford to pay overtime, so we are limited to 40 hours per week, which means we get a significantly smaller check than we used to get,” explained another anonymously.

"What workers said about their paychecks, families, and possible solutions deserves attention." said Center for Latino Leadership Founder and Executive Director, Maia Espinoza. Worker rallies at the state Capitol and around Washington in 2024 drew thousands asking lawmakers to consider changes to the agricultural overtime law. The new research indicates that concerns about reduced hours and earnings continue among farmworkers across the state.

The full survey report provides a broader look at farmworkers’ experiences with agricultural overtime, including changes in work hours, earnings, household impacts, and workers’ views on possible solutions.

“I hope these new findings drive the point home to lawmakers,” said Espinoza. “Before making decisions for farmworkers, listen to farmworkers.”

Courts unseat Latina state Senator for racial equity

Olympia — In what could be a headline for political satire has become a reality in Washington state. A federal judge handed down his ruling today that gerrymanders out a sitting Latina state Senator in response to a politically motivated lawsuit whose stated goal was to increase Latino representation. 

Although the current majority-minority legislative district elected state Sen. Nikki Torres, a Republican from Pasco, progressive organizations sued to redraw the political map in this conservative eastern Washington area to favor Democrat candidates. The again redrawn 15th District puts Torres outside the district and increases the margins of white voters and Democrats. 

"Today's ruling sends a chilling message to central Washington," said Maia Espinoza, Executive Director of the Center for Latino Leadership. "No matter what your political preferences are, if they don't align with the Democrat machine, they'll use the courts to impose theirs."

The Center for Latino Leadership is a nonpartisan, statewide civic engagement organization that educates and connects Latino leaders and public service. 

"Sen. Torres remains an ideal representative of the communities around Yakima, but partisans were unwilling to accept that their brand didn't resonate with voters," Espinoza commented. "This is classic White Savior behavior, insinuating that Latinos are incapable of electing their preferred candidate while purporting to be about meaningful representation. This circus has only set Latino community representation back further."

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Bill needed to improve access to technology

By Maia Espinoza
Yakima Herald- Mar 22, 2017

Advanced telecommunications and broadband services improves lives, helping teachers give students access to new ideas and learning opportunities, enabling emergency responders to communicate patients’ conditions to doctors, and allowing small businesses to locate and compete anywhere...Continue Reading

The Harvest Won’t Wait, Why Are We?

By Judith Jackson, Program Director, Center for Latino Leadership

As fall approaches, farmers across Washington are preparing for a season that won’t slow down. From apples and hops to wine grapes and pears, the crops are coming, whether we’re ready or not. But this year, just like last year and the year before, there’s one question still looming: Who will help bring in...Continue Reading

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