Concerns Over Oregon's Overtime Law
Some farmworkers claim they are making less money, not more, due to Oregon's overtime law, while farmers argue they cannot afford to pay the overtime.
Maria de Lourdes Navarro and her adult son, David Montiel, are among those affected by the law. Their day begins at 5 a.m. during grape harvest season in the Willamette Valley, with a routine that includes brewing coffee, packing lunch, and arriving at the job site by 7 a.m.
“When we get back [home], we wash our dirty gloves. And work clothes need to be set aside. We don’t have a washing machine here. So we have to go do laundry elsewhere,”
Navarro said, describing their daily routine. Their work hours vary depending on the vineyard's needs, and they usually return home by early afternoon.
Their daily routine is demanding, with Navarro cooking and preparing for bed by 8 p.m. to get up early the next day.
Author's summary: Farmworkers and farmers disagree on Oregon's overtime law, citing financial concerns.