NYFB Statement on Governor Cuomo's Support of NYCLU Collective Bargaining Lawsuit

For Immediate Release:

May 10, 2016

Contact: Steve Ammerman, NYFB Manager of Public Affairs

Office: (518) 431-5643 Cell: (518) 573-3617  sammerman@nyfb.org

NEW YORK FARM BUREAU STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR CUOMO’S SUPPORT OF NYCLU COLLECTIVE BARGAINING LAWSUIT

“We are extremely disappointed to hear the Governor’s Administration supports the NYCLU lawsuit regarding collective bargaining rights for farmworkers.  Following on the recently enacted $15 minimum wage increase, the Governor’s decision to not defend the state’s labor law is an affront to agriculture and good farmers across the state. 

The NYCLU’s assertions regarding farmers and their treatment of their employees are erroneous, insulting and disparaging and we are frustrated that the Governor’s statement does not even recognize this fact. Up until now, he has publicly praised the dairy industry and agriculture in general for the good jobs that they create.  It should also be pointed out that farmworkers are not the only employee class that does not have the ability to collectively bargain by virtue of the nature of their job.  The Governor’s position, in choosing not defend the state’s labor law, represents a disservice to farmers that make up the backbone of our rural economy,” said Dean Norton, New York Farm Bureau President.

New York Farm Bureau is the State’s largest agricultural lobbying/trade organization. Its members and the public know the organization as “The Voice of New York Agriculture.” New York Farm Bureau is dedicated to solving the economic and public policy issues challenging the agricultural community.