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H 3107

An Act relative to overtime pay for agricultural laborers in Massachusetts

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Nick Collins and 10 co-sponsors

Extends overtime pay protections to Massachusetts agricultural workers, requiring time-and-a-half compensation beyond standard hours to improve worker compensation and conditions.

Accompanied a study order, see H5318
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Bill Summary · H 3107

Legislative bill overview

H 3107 would extend overtime pay protections to agricultural laborers in Massachusetts, a category currently exempt from the state's standard overtime laws. The bill aims to ensure that farm workers receive overtime compensation (likely at 1.5x regular wages) for hours worked beyond a specified threshold, similar to protections afforded to workers in other industries.

Why is this important

Agricultural workers represent a vulnerable population often working long seasonal hours with minimal labor protections. Extending overtime pay could improve working conditions and compensation for thousands of Massachusetts farm workers while potentially increasing labor costs for agricultural operations. This addresses a decades-long federal exemption that many states have begun reconsidering.

Potential points of contention

  • Agricultural industry burden: Farm operators, particularly smaller operations with tight profit margins, argue overtime requirements increase labor costs during labor-intensive harvest seasons and could reduce hiring or increase food prices
  • Seasonal employment complications: Determining how overtime thresholds apply to seasonal and migrant workers with irregular schedules presents implementation challenges
  • Competitive disadvantage: Massachusetts farmers could face higher labor costs than competitors in states without similar protections, potentially affecting their market competitiveness

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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