MB Farm Workers Win Rights

Feb. 1, 2008, Winnipeg – Manitoba farm workers are being given the right to paid vacations, a minimum wage and other benefits.

The provincial government is extending its Employment Standards Code to cover the agriculture sector, which has been exempt untilnow.

The new rules, which take effect June 30, guarantee farm workers lunch breaks, two weeks' paid vacation and other benefits enjoyed by every other sector.

Workers will also be entitled to overtime pay.

There are some exemptions, however, such as farmers employed by family members.