New 'Protect Local Farms Act' Could Force 60-Hour Work Weeks Without Overtime in Some States

The "Protect Local Farms Act" aims to change federal labor law by preventing states from setting overtime rules for agricultural workers that kick in before 60 hours of work in a week. Essentially, it's amending the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) to override state laws that offer stronger protections. (SEC. 2)

Overtime Overhaul

This bill directly targets state-level overtime laws for agricultural workers. Right now, some states require overtime pay after fewer than 60 hours worked per week. This bill would wipe out those more protective state rules, forcing a 60-hour threshold before overtime applies. (SEC. 2). This means farm workers in states with, say, a 40-hour overtime rule, could now be required to work up to 60 hours at their regular pay rate.

Real-World Rollout

Imagine a farmhand in a state where overtime starts after 40 hours. Under this new law, their employer could legally extend their workweek to 60 hours without paying a dime of overtime. This could mean significantly less income for workers who regularly put in long hours, especially during peak seasons. It also sets a potentially risky precedent for other industries, where state-level worker protections could be similarly challenged.

The Big Picture

The "Protect Local Farms Act" effectively shifts power from states to the federal government when it comes to agricultural labor standards. While the stated aim is to help local farms (SEC. 1), the practical effect could be a significant reduction in earnings and weakened protections for many agricultural workers. It also raises a crucial question: If states can't set their own labor standards for farmworkers, what other worker protections might be at risk?