Ag Overtime in 2026
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson. A Central Washington lawmaker says he continues to hear from growers across the state who are struggling under Washington's agricultural overtime law.
Moses Lake Republican Tom Dent is encouraged by recent conversations with the governor and hopes negotiations will lead to meaningful relief for both farmers and workers …
DENT … “As far as the overtime, I mean he’s very concerned about, I mean the tree fruit industry is right here where we’re at and he’s concerned. And how are we going to help these folks come out of some of this, right. And maybe we went too far. I don’t know. You know, but those are conversations yet to be had and I’m willing to have them when I have the ammunition to have them, right.”
Dent says the state's agricultural overtime law is putting severe strain on farmers and farmworkers and he’s renewing his push for relief as the Legislature gets ready to convene …
DENT … “The agriculture community, our producers are in a bad way right now. They're really struggling to make it work. And to be honest, some of them didn't pick their fruit because they couldn't afford the overtime."
Dent says the current requirement, overtime after 40 hours year-round, is forcing tough decisions …
DENT … “It's killing us. It's breaking the bank. It's breaking our backs. We can't afford it. It's heartbreaking."
Dent is pushing legislation that would give producers 12 flexible weeks each year where workers could go up to 50 hours before overtime, a change he says is essential during harvest.
