March 29, 2024
BANGOR DAILY NEWS (BANGOR, MAINE

Overtime measure wins final House OK> Bill would help workers at DeCoster Egg Farm

AUGUSTA — Large egg farms like the beleaguered DeCoster’s will lose their exemption from overtime pay requirements if a bill that received final House approval Thursday wins Senate enactment and is signed by the governor.

Representatives cast aside a pair of amendments aimed at easing the overtime rule for the companies and gave the bill their final OK. It now goes back to the Senate, which approved the bill by a lopsided 32-3 in a preliminary vote. Gov. Angus King supports the measure.

Opponents charge the bill is aimed specifically at Decoster Egg Farm in Turner, which is seeking a settlement of a $3.6 million fine for alleged violations of federal worker safety and health standards.

But Rep. Randall Berry, D-Livermore, said the bill “is not a punishment for [owner] Jack DeCoster, but it’s the right thing to do.”

DeCoster’s has a $6 million payroll with more than 300 employees, half of whom are Hispanic. DeCoster has made personal appeals to lawmakers to defeat the bill.

“Unfortunately, even though this bill may have good intentions, the consequences of it will be harsh if it is enacted,” said Rep. Roy Nickerson, R-Turner. “In the end, this bill will actually hurt the same workers it is trying to support by limiting their opportunity to make extra income.”

Before the debate, several DeCoster workers told Republican members of the House that they’re afraid they will not be allowed to work any more overtime if the bill passes.

The bill could affect two other egg producing companies in the state, according to supporters.

Federal overtime laws do not apply to agricultural enterprises such as DeCoster’s.

The bill in the Legislature would require pay at the time-and-a-half rate after 40 hours.


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