The Farm Labor Equality Act introduces significant amendments to labor laws in New Jersey, particularly focusing on the employment of minors in agriculture and enhancing protections for farmworkers. The bill prohibits the employment of minors under 12 years of age in agricultural work until December 31, 2024, after which the age limit will increase to 14 years. It also establishes that minors under 18 will be subject to existing regulations regarding working hours and conditions, while allowing 17-year-olds who have graduated from vocational school to work in their field of study under specific conditions. Additionally, the bill modifies wage regulations, stating that overtime pay will not apply to farm laborers until January 1, 2025, and sets a pathway for minimum wage increases for farmworkers to align with the general minimum wage by 2030.

Moreover, the legislation enhances labor rights for agricultural workers by establishing a framework for employee representation and collective bargaining, prohibiting unfair labor practices by employers, and allowing farmworker organizations access to employee information and premises for organizing. The bill also increases penalties for non-compliance with information requests from the State Board of Mediation and clarifies definitions related to agricultural employment. It streamlines eligibility criteria for unemployment benefits in the agricultural sector, ensuring that individuals are adequately covered, and removes previous exclusions based on employer size or wage payments. Overall, the Farm Labor Equality Act aims to ensure fair treatment and representation for agricultural workers in New Jersey, aligning their rights with those of other workers.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 34:2-21.15, 34:11-56, 34:13A-5.1