February 28 will Feature Attorney Joshua Viau of Fisher & Phillips LLP
In 2019, the NY legislature passed the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act which, among other things, gave farmworkers the right to organize and join unions. Apple growers in the Hudson Valley are being targeted by the United Farm Workers of America, which is the farmworker union from California. They have filed five petitions that we know of and are soliciting signatures from workers here and in the workers' home countries. Under New York's law, there is no secret ballot election in most cases. All the union has to do is get more than half of your workers to sign union cards. Then they file a petition with the state and unless you can show that the cards are invalid or that the union does not actually have a majority, you will be required to negotiate for a contract with the union representatives. Because of this, it is very important to get out ahead of this BEFORE you get a petition. Once the union files a petition, you will be fighting an extremely difficult battle. Please join attorney Joshua Viau of Fisher Phillips to discuss preventative strategies for dealing with this issue.
Upcoming Events
2025 Respirator Fit Testing in Wayne County
April 17, 2025
Pultneyville, NY
A one day clinic for respirator fit testing will be held in Wayne County on April 17th. Please be sure to register by April 7th, as space is limited.
Tree Fruit & Small Fruit Twilight Meetings

April 24, 2025 : Tree Fruit & Small Fruit Twilight Meetings 1 of 4
Hilton, NY
Join specialists Janet Van Zoeren, Anya Osatuke, and Anna Wallis for a conversation about fruit and berry phenology and pest management, at a new location each month.
May 29, 2025 : Tree Fruit & Small Fruit Twilight Meetings 2 of 4
June 26, 2025 : Tree Fruit & Small Fruit Twilight Meetings 3 of 4
July 31, 2025 : Tree Fruit & Small Fruit Twilight Meetings 4 of 4
Respirator Fit Testing in Orleans County
May 7, 2025 : Afternoon Clinic
Albion, NY
Afternoon respirator fit testing clinic will be held in Orleans County on May 7th, save the date.
May 8, 2025 : Morning Clinic
Albion, NY
Morning respirator fit testing clinic will be held in Orleans County on May 8th, save the date.