A new bill making its way through the Nevada Legislature could spell trouble for the state’s agricultural industry, workers, and consumers.
Senate Bill 172 (SB172), known as the “Agricultural Workers’ Bill of Rights,” may sound good on paper, but critics warn it could have serious negative consequences.
The bill, introduced by Senator Edgar Flores, would require agricultural businesses to pay overtime to workers who exceed eight hours a day or 40 hours a week.
It also allows agricultural workers to unionize, sets new standards for housing and rest periods, and establishes rules for workplace safety during emergencies.
While the intent may be to protect workers, many believe it could backfire.
Doug Busselman, Executive Vice President of the Nevada Farm Bureau, testified against the bill during a recent hearing of the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee.
He warned that the bill would not only hurt agricultural businesses but also reduce workers’ hours and earnings.
“Our members have indicated that they will likely be required to reduce hours if the requirements of paying overtime for more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week are enforced,” Busselman said.
California’s Example: A Cautionary Tale
Supporters of SB172 argue that it would bring needed rights and protections to agricultural workers. However, critics point to what happened in California when a similar law was passed.
According to research by Alexandra Hill, an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, farmworkers in California ended up working 3-5 fewer hours per week and earned $100 less per week, or $2,000 less per year.
Many fear the same could happen in Nevada if SB172 becomes law.
Agricultural work often doesn’t fit into a standard 9-to-5 workday. Farmers and workers need flexibility due to changing weather, planting, and harvesting schedules.
Requiring overtime pay might sound fair, but many farmers say they simply can’t afford it. Instead of paying more, they are likely to cut back on hours to stay within budget.
Another part of the bill allows agricultural workers to unionize.
Critics worry this could lead to labor strikes and disruptions in food production. With such narrow profit margins, many farms might struggle to survive if faced with union demands or work stoppages.
Impact on Consumers
The effects of SB172 could also hit consumers. Higher costs for agricultural businesses often lead to higher prices at the grocery store.
The egg law passed in Nevada in 2021 serves as a cautionary example. It required all eggs sold in the state to come from free-range chickens, contributing to an egg shortage.
The legislature had to pass emergency legislation this session to allow other types of eggs into Nevada.
SB172 could have a similar impact. As farms struggle with higher costs and fewer workers, the prices of fresh produce and other farm products could rise.
At a time when inflation is already squeezing family budgets, the last thing consumers need is another hit to their wallets.
What Critics Say
Supporters of SB172 claim the bill is necessary to provide fair wages and safe working conditions for agricultural workers. They argue that all workers deserve overtime pay and the right to organize.
However, critics argue that the bill could end up hurting the very workers it aims to protect. Instead of more pay and better conditions, workers could find themselves with fewer hours and less income.
What Can You Do?
SB172 is still under consideration by the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee, and no vote has been taken yet. Now is the time for concerned citizens to speak up.
You can submit your opinion on the bill or contact committee members directly. A full list of contacts is available on the Nevada Legislature’s website.
The stakes are high. If SB172 passes, Nevada could face not only economic strain on its agricultural sector but also higher food prices and fewer job opportunities for workers.
With so much on the line, it’s important for all voices to be heard before a final decision is made.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
