The Legal Aid Farmworker Law Project is a specialized initiative of the Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, dedicated exclusively to providing free legal representation and advocacy for agricultural workers across New York State. It stands out for its targeted focus on migrant and seasonal farmworkers, offering comprehensive support for workplace justice, housing rights, and civil legal matters.
The project employs a community-centered approach, with bilingual staff who travel directly to labor camps and rural areas to deliver legal education and services. It assists both current and former farmworkers, including H-2A visa holders, who face issues such as wage theft, unsafe conditions, or discrimination. Services are entirely free and confidential, with eligibility based on income or specific farmworker status.
Services Offered
- Legal representation for wage claims and wage theft
- Addressing unsafe working conditions and workspace safety violations
- Improving inadequate or unsafe housing conditions
- Handling employment discrimination cases
- Providing legal assistance for civil legal issues
- Offering bilingual legal education and outreach presentations
- Filing complaints with state agencies (NY Department of Labor, OSHA)
- Supporting rights to organize and collective bargaining
- Assisting with overtime pay claims under the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act
Services are available statewide in New York, with support offered in multiple languages including Spanish and Haitian Creole. The project can be reached via toll-free lines from the U.S., Mexico, and Jamaica, as well as through WhatsApp for accessible communication.
