Washington State Tree Fruit Association president Jon DeVaney tells us what the CDC s mask and social distancing changes could mean for vaccinated workers.
Harvest & COVID Changes Pt 1
Monday May 24th, 2021 With today’s Fruit Grower Report, I’m Bob Larson. Since the CDC announced that anyone who is fully vaccinated doesn’t have to wear a mask or practice social distancing, many businesses, including agriculture began expecting, or at least looking for, changes in COVID restrictions.
Washington State Tree Fruit Association president, Jon DeVaney says we’re waiting…
DeVANEY … “It has been frustrating to say, well congratulations you’re vaccinated, nothing changes. It was a hard message to tell people. And so, now to be able to say, yes indeed you’ve been protected and so you don’t have to go through all these other burdensome measures. Those may no longer be required.”
Washington governor signs agriculture worker overtime bill
NICHOLAS K. GERANIOS, Associated Press
May 11, 2021
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SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) Agricultural workers in Washington state would become eligible for overtime pay under a bill signed Tuesday by Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee, drawing praise from President Joe Biden.
Senate Bill 5172 creates a phased-in path toward full overtime pay for agricultural workers by 2024. For 2022, they ensure overtime pay for any time worked over 55 hours a week; 48 hours a week in 2023; and 40 hours a week by 2024.
Washington joined a handful of states that grant overtime pay to agricultural workers.
“Agricultural workers in Washington and across the country have helped carry our nation through this pandemic working long hours, often at great personal risk, to meet the needs of their communities and keep America healthy and well-nourished,” Biden said in a news release. “These overtime protections will ensure that agricultu