Yakima Herald-Republic Quotes Adam Belzberg on Pay for Rest Breaks for Piece-Rate Workers

Attorney Adam Belzberg was quoted in the Yakima Herald-Republic in an article titled “Growers adapting to rules on rest breaks for ag workers; nuances of pay subject of discussion.” The article discusses how Yakima Valley growers are adapting to changes in how they pay their piece-rate farmworkers during harvest season following a recent Washington Supreme Court ruling that determined that paid rest breaks under state law covers those workers.

Although most growers are adapting to the ruling, the state Department of Labor and Industries has been working to develop guidelines for employers to interpret the court’s decision. One question Belzberg wants to see clarified is whether employers and workers can agree in a contract on a rate of pay for breaks that is lower than the regular rate, as long as it meets minimum wage. “Generally, under Washington law, you can have a separate agreement on pay as long as it’s above minimum wage,” he said.

Read “Growers adapting to rules on rest breaks for ag workers; nuances of pay subject of discussion,” updated March 4, 2016.