The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) is announcing significant changes to agricultural overtime laws, following the passage of House Bill 4002 (2022). These changes are designed to ensure fair compensation for agricultural workers while offering support to employers through tax credits and funding programs.
Effective January 1, 2025, Oregon’s agricultural overtime threshold will decrease from 55 hours per work week to 48 hours per work week. This adjustment is part of a gradual implementation outlined in HB 4002 (2022). The final threshold reduction will occur on January 1, 2027, when overtime will apply after 40 hours in a single workweek.
Timeline of Changes Under HB 4002 (2022)
- 2023-2024: Agricultural workers earn overtime after working 55 hours in a workweek.
- 2025-2026: Overtime applies after 48 hours in a workweek.
- Starting January 1, 2027: Overtime will be required after 40 hours in a workweek.
These changes aim to address the long-standing inequities faced by agricultural workers, many of whom work demanding hours to support Oregon’s thriving agricultural economy. To ease the transition for employers, HB 4002 also includes several support measures, including a refundable tax credit employers can apply for from the Department of Revenue for a percentage of wages paid as overtime from 2023 through 2028.
While the new overtime rules apply broadly, there are some exemptions based on specific job duties and employment circumstances. For detailed information about exemptions and compliance requirements, visit BOLI’s Minimum Wage and Overtime in Agriculture webpage or contact the Agriculture Compliance and Education (ACE) Unit at 971) 245-3844 or ag.overtime@boli.oregon.gov.
In an effort to provide key information to employers about the threshold reduction, the Bureau has created this resource for agricultural employers. It is available in Spanish and English.
To ensure agricultural workers know about their rights the Bureau has created this Know Your Rights pamphlet. It is available in Spanish and English.
