Join Us on May 19 for Farmworker Albany Day!

This year’s Farmworker Albany Day will focus on securing and expanding fundamental human rights and protections for the tens of thousands of farmworkers driving New York’s agriculture sector, valued at nearly $10B, and rural families statewide. Despite key gains made through previous victories—most notably, the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act (FLFLPA) that closed loopholes in state labor law but has since come under attack—farmworking families continue to face the effects of widespread labor exploitation, the devastating consequences of the Administration’s immigration and economic policies, and substantially limited access to essential services, opportunities, and infrastructure. Today, we are calling on leaders in state government to embrace a comprehensive approach to addressing key barriers and injustices facing farmworking families, including rural children, throughout New York.

Specifically, we are asking legislators and Governor Hochul to:

1. Stand firm in the face of opposition to the FLFLPA that could jeopardize the rights previously secured to collectively bargain, overtime, and a day of rest for farmworkers.

2. Support the NYS TEMP Act that would regulate farms and other worksites with temperature protection standards, education, and other requirements to ensure that employers provide safe conditions for their employees

3. End collusion between NY localities and federal immigration enforcement, prohibit contracts to house immigrants in detention facilities, and establish the right to universal counsel in immigration proceedings by supporting the New York for All (without loopholes), Dignity Not Detention, and Access to Representation bills.

4. Support the Family Court Guardianship Act that would enable family members to seek guardianship for children whose parents are facing deportation.

5. Enhance economic and social prosperity for millions of farmworking families throughout rural New York by ensuring access to educational opportunities and social services for youth, and addressing infrastructural gaps in transportation and high-speed internet access.

Please register here and request that colleagues joining you do so as well. Kindly include the names of your Senator and Assemblymember where requested.

We will be meeting at 9:30am at Westminster Presbyterian Church (85 Chestnut Street) in Albany, where a light breakfast will be served. We will then be marching to the Capitol for a vigil followed by legislative visits. Lunch will be provided.