Legislature approves $20 minimum wage and overtime protections for agricultural workers

The Vermont House General meeting held on April 8, 2025, focused on significant labor law reforms aimed at improving worker rights and compensation. The discussions centered around a proposed bill that seeks to increase the minimum wage, amend exemptions for agricultural workers, and enhance overtime eligibility.

The bill proposes raising the minimum wage to $20 per hour and repealing the current exemption for agricultural workers from both minimum wage and overtime laws. Notably, the implementation of overtime coverage for agricultural workers would be phased in over several years, with full coverage expected by February 1935. This change is part of recommendations made by a study committee aimed at addressing labor standards in the state.

Additionally, the bill aims to eliminate the tipped minimum wage and expand access to overtime by establishing a higher salary threshold for exempt status. This would ensure that more workers qualify for overtime pay, addressing long-standing disparities in labor compensation.

Another critical aspect of the proposed legislation is the removal of the commissioner’s authority to recommend a subminimum wage for workers with disabilities. This change aligns with ongoing discussions in the Senate regarding equitable pay practices.

The meeting also highlighted the need to amend existing labor standards that currently exempt certain domestic service workers from minimum wage and overtime protections. The proposed changes aim to rectify what was described as a discriminatory practice rooted in historical labor laws.

As the meeting progressed, members discussed the implications of these reforms, emphasizing the importance of fair labor practices and the need to protect vulnerable worker populations. The proposed bill is expected to undergo further review and discussion in upcoming sessions, with advocates urging swift action to enhance worker rights in Vermont.