With just a few key rules, farms can navigate employment law with confidence. Join Rachel Armstrong of Farm Commons to learn the fundamentals of farm employment law including classifying workers and the obligations of every farm employer.
Tag: employment
H2A Visa Program Basics
The H-2A visa program makes it possible for farmers to bring in citizens of other countries for agricultural work in the United States. This video will help farmers assess whether H-2A might be a good fit with their operations. We consider the program’s purpose and legal obligations. With human trafficking also on the rise, we’ll address key ways producers can guard against worker vulnerability in this program.
This series is presented by the Cultivemos Legal Cohort. Cultivemos, (formerly known as FRSAN-NE, the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network Northeast) aims to improve behavioral health awareness, literacy, access, and outcomes for farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers in the Northeast by developing a service provider network that can assist and meet the unique needs of agricultural workers.
Workers’ Compensation and Unemployment Insurance for Farmers
Workers compensation and unemployment insurance can be tricky for farm businesses, as detailed exceptions for farm labor complicate the rules. Explore the state specific rules for Northeastern states around these two legal areas. Don’t miss the straightforward option to minimize the confusion, as well as leads on where to find more information.
This series is presented by the Cultivemos Legal Cohort. Cultivemos, (formerly known as FRSAN-NE, the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network Northeast) aims to improve behavioral health awareness, literacy, access, and outcomes for farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers in the Northeast by developing a service provider network that can assist and meet the unique needs of agricultural workers.
Minimum Wage, Overtime, and Breaks for Farmers
Sometimes, legal basics can be more complicated than we think, and this is especially true when it comes to farm employment law. This video outlines when and how employment laws such as minimum wage, overtime, and rest breaks apply to farm businesses. We cover federal and Northeast-specific state laws in a way that helps farm owners and workers move forward.
This series is presented by the Cultivemos Legal Cohort. Cultivemos, (formerly known as FRSAN-NE, the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network Northeast) aims to improve behavioral health awareness, literacy, access, and outcomes for farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers in the Northeast by developing a service provider network that can assist and meet the unique needs of agricultural workers.
Employment Law for Massachusetts Farmers
What should farms in Massachusetts consider when hiring employees? What are the rules of the road for agricultural workers in the Commonwealth. These two webinars from 2018 and 2024 cover key information for complying with Massachusetts employment law. Both webinars cover worker classification, overtime, agricultural labor exceptions, minimum wages (note that the amounts changed from 2018 to 2024), and comparing Massachusetts and federal employment laws, and how to know which applies.
Attorney Beth O’Neal of Conn Kavanaugh also covers the following in her 2018 presentation:
- Consequences of employee misclassification
- 2018 federal unpaid intern guidance
Attorney Sean Fontes of Partridge Snow & Hahn also covers the following in his 2024 presentation:
- A deeper dive into agricultural labor
- Leave and sick time
- Unemployment insurance
- Paying minors
- 2024 federal independent contractor classification rule
Preparing an Offer of Employment Letter
An offer letter is an important start to any employment relationship because it ensures the employer and employee have a mutual understanding about the key terms of employment. This guide identifies the key elements of an employment offer letter and provides a sample letter for you to review and consider when drafting your own offer letter. As a future employee, this guide will help you to clarify some points of employment before accepting.
Onboarding New Employees
Congratulations! Your small business is ready to hire your first employees. This is both an exciting and daunting process. Luckily, we have Tara Walker and Bill Wahrer of Bernstein Shur Portland, Maine who will walk you through this process. They will cover common legal traps for the hiring manager in the hiring and interview process, she will provide a checklist of best practices, and recommended documentation for your new employees.
Presenters: Attorneys Tara Walker and Bill Wahrer of Bernstein Shur
Agriculture Employment Rules for NH
Understanding labor and employment law is essential for operating a successful farm. Both federal and New Hampshire law treat agricultural work differently than other forms of employment. Depending on the size of the farm and the agricultural tasks done, an employee may be exempt from, for example, minimum wage. This guide is a brief look at what labor laws apply to farming activities to help New Hampshire agricultural employers and employees understand their rights and obligations. Most employee standards are detailed in Title 23 of New Hampshire’s statutes.
Employment Rules for Agricultural Workers in Maine
Understanding the requirements of labor and employment law is essential in operating a successful farm business. Both Maine and federal law treat agricultural work differently than other forms of employment. Before hiring an employee, it is important to familiarize yourself with the relevant state and federal laws that govern the employer/employee relationship. This guide is intended to inform farm employers about the general requirements when hiring employees.
Lo básico de los impuestos sobre el salario
Las reglas que gobiernan los impuestos sobre el salario pueden ser complicadas. Los impuestos sobre el salario generalmente son calculados como un porcentaje del salario del empleado. Las fincas que emplean a trabajadores, deben retener dinero de los cheques de pago de sus empleados, emitir dichas cantidades retenidas a las autoridades de impuestos apropiadas, y declarar los impuestos sobre el salario a las agencias federales y estatales. Esta guía hace un esquema sobre qué son los impuestos sobre el salario y cómo y dónde pagarlos. Después de leer esta guía usted sabrá:
- ¿qué son los impuestos sobre el salario y quién es responsable de los pagos?
- las especificaciones de los diferentes tipos de impuestos sobre el salario
- las exenciones especiales dadas a los empleados en agricultura
Employment Rules for Agricultural Workers in MA
Agricultural work is treated differently from other types of employment under the law; however, it is sometimes difficult to what qualifies as agricultural work. This guide is intended to help Massachusetts farmers determine what is agricultural work, what is not, and why it matters. You will learn:
- What is Agricultural Work in Massachusetts
- Minimum wage and overtime rules for agricultural employees
- Minimum wage and overtime rules for regular employees
Legal Requirements for CT Food Businesses
Paul Healy and Bessie Bauman of The Yale Law School Ludwig Center for Community & Economic Development provide information on legal issues relevant to Connecticut food businesses. This guide addresses:
- Forming a business entity
- Food licensing requirements
- Employment and immigration rules
- Tax filings
Employment Payroll Tax Basics
The rules governing payroll taxes can be complex. Payroll taxes are generally calculated as a percentage of the employee salary. Farms that employ workers must withhold money from their employees’ paychecks, timely submit withheld amounts to the appropriate tax authorities, and file payroll tax returns with state and federal agencies. This guide outlines what payroll taxes are, and how and when to pay them. After reading this guide you will know:
- what are payroll taxes and who is responsible for paying them
- the different types of payroll taxes
- the special exemptions given to agricultural employees
Rhode Island and Federal Leave Laws
Employment leave laws help balance employers’ needs for a reliable work force with employees’ responsibilities outside work. Leave laws also protect workers by allowing them to take time off without fear of losing their job. Both Federal and Rhode Island state laws allow employees to take reasonable unpaid leave for family and medical reasons. Whether you are an employer or an employee, it is important to know your rights and obligations under these state and Federal laws.
Interns, Apprentices and Volunteers-Rhode Island
Many people are curious about what happens at a farm and would be happy to volunteer a few hours of labor in return for the experience of farming. Others would be willing to work as an unpaid intern in order to gain valuable knowledge and farm skills. The prospect of free labor is appealing. But is it legal? Do you understand the distinction between registered apprentices, paid and unpaid interns and volunteers? This Legal Brief summarizes the legal requirements for these workers under Rhode Island law.
Employment Law Guide for Rhode Island Farmers
Farmers have a lot to consider when bringing on employees. This guide for Rhode Island farmers takes you step by step through the key areas of law you need to understand when hiring on farm. It is a great starting place for farmers looking to understand the rules of the road.
Employment Law for Rhode Island Farmers
Understanding employment laws is essential to protect both farmers and their employees. This webinar, presented by Erica Kyzmir-McKeon, former CLF Senior Fellow & Attorney, and Gina A. DiCenso, Attorney at Law, gives an overview of common employment law issues that farmers face. The webinar covers (1) federal and state wage laws; (2) the the legal distinctions between unpaid interns, registered apprentices, and volunteers; and (3) federal and state leave laws.